A GROWING MOVEMENT FOR CREATIVITY

A GROWING MOVEMENT FOR CREATIVITY – CREATE WEEK 2026

A display of colourful artworks made during Create Week 2026

From 1–7 July, people across the UK and beyond came together for Create Week 2026, our annual celebration of creativity and its importance for wellbeing.

Now in its third year, Create Week continues to grow, inspiring individuals, families, workplaces, schools, charities and community groups to make time for creativity and champion a simple but important message:

People Need To Create.

SHARING CREATIVITY ACROSS THE UK AND BEYOND

Create Week 2026 reached more people than ever before, with campaign content reaching over 1.2 million people online. Thanks to our partners, artists, audience and team, we were able to raise awareness of the importance of creativity, and to inspire people to connect with themselves and the world around them.

Behind every number is someone who made time to create, tried something new or joined the conversation about why creativity matters.

An adult carer holding his Create Week artwork up for the camera.

Why creativity matters

The success of Create Week reflects something much bigger than a week-long campaign.

Research continues to highlight the important role creativity plays in society. In 2019, the World Health Organization reviewed more than 3,000 studies and found that the arts play a significant role in promoting wellbeing, preventing ill health and supporting people living with physical and mental health conditions throughout their lives.

This mirrors what we see every day through our Create projects. In 2025/26:

96% of participants said our projects improved their wellbeing.
96% felt more connected to others.
95% felt more confident after taking part.

Whether you are a carer, an older person experiencing loneliness, a disabled child or adult, or a young person admitted to hospital, creativity can provide opportunities to build confidence, reduce isolation and connect with others.

Create Week exists to take that message beyond our own projects and encourage everyone to experience the benefits of creativity.

Artist Laxmi Hussain shared:

“Create Week is such a valuable but simple and effective time for us to share the power of creativity. Allowing and sharing with others ways to get creative with minimal materials (usually you will already have these items at home) is such a powerful way to allow art to become more accessible. Getting creative is not just for artists or those who “know how” it’s a wonderful way for us to all tap into a moment for ourselves, to unwind, take a breath and just be calm for a moment, half an hour or even a whole afternoon if possible.“

Just that small moment can change your whole day in such a positive way and I hope we can continue to share more ways for people to do this for themselves in the future.
Laxmi Hussain

Create Week origami flowers on a table next to the Create Week instruction pack.

Looking ahead

Although Create Week lasts just seven days each year, its impact reaches far beyond a single week.

Every creative activity, every conversation started and every new supporter helps build a growing movement that champions creativity as an essential part of a healthier, happier society.

Thank you to everyone who took part in Create Week 2026. Together, you’re helping build a growing movement that celebrates creativity as something we all need – not just during one week in July, but throughout our lives.