100% Digital Leeds has been working with the University of Sheffield on a research project funded by Arts Council England. The aim of the research was to explore whether participation in digital arts and culture could serve as an initial first step for older people to become more confident with a broader range of digital tools and services. Read the Digital arts and culture: University of Sheffield Project Report
“Millions of people across the UK are simply not able to participate in the things so many of us take for granted, whether that’s accessing essential digital services like online banking or using digital platforms to stay connected and reduce loneliness.
We’ve been able to demonstrate how important a gateway digital arts and culture activities can be for older people. Not only are the activities often very rewarding in themselves, they build digital confidence and help the user learn to use tools that can benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
Dr Sharon Wagg, The University of Sheffield.
Alongside the research, 100% Digital Leeds has developed a new toolkit to encourage and support greater involvement of arts and culture within digital inclusion programmes. The toolkit is designed to shape and inform the work of organisations in the arts and culture sector, VCSE sector, or digital inclusion sector, helping them to embed digital elements into creative activities, increasing motivation, confidence, and digital inclusion for everyone. Read the Digital inclusion, arts and culture, and older people: 100% Digital Leeds Toolkit
“For the last 10 years, anecdotal evidence from 100% Digital Leeds’s delivery partners suggested that once older people had engaged with digital through arts and culture, they went on to engage with a broader range of digital tools and services. We’re delighted that this research has confirmed that view.
We hope our ‘Digital inclusion, arts and culture, and older people’ toolkit helps organisations from all sectors to embed digital elements into creative activities, increasing motivation, confidence, and digital inclusion for everyone.”
Jason Tutin, Head of 100% Digital Leeds
The study found engaging in creative activities can build confidence and motivation to help older people engage in essential digital services and stay connected with loved ones. Beyond social connection, digital engagement can empower individuals with limited mobility or health challenges through tools such as tablets, smartphones, and voice-to-text software.
Organisations that took part in the research included:
- Ascendance
- Burmantofts Community Friends
- Leeds Libraries
- Leeds Irish Health and Homes
- Purple Patch Arts
- Pyramid
- The Highrise Project
Community-based organisations – including voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, libraries, and arts providers – are identified as the most effective partners for digital inclusion due to their local trust.
“Digital technology is transforming the way we experience and participate in culture, but not everyone has equal access to those opportunities. At Arts Council England, we are committed to ensuring that creativity and culture are part of the solution to digital exclusion.
The research undertaken by the University of Sheffield provides compelling evidence of how creative approaches can support digital inclusion, while the toolkit developed by 100% Digital Leeds offers practical ways to put this learning into action.
This work will open up new opportunities for those working in the cultural sector and bring creativity to more people whilst also developing vital digital skills. This project builds on years of Arts Council investment in digital and marks an important step towards a more inclusive digital future.”
Owen Hopkin, Director for New Technologies and Innovation at Arts Council England.