create week 2025: a celebration of creativity

As July comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm that defined Create Week 2025.

From 1-7 July, thousands of people across the UK (and beyond!) joined Create’s celebration of the creative arts. Whether collaging abstract landscapes, writing monologues inspired by imagined spaces, or building puppets out of cereal boxes, people of all ages and abilities came together to explore the power of creativity.

highlights from the week

seven free activities

Each day featured a new creative invitation, designed by our professional Create artists and spanning artforms from song-writing and collage to puppetry and filmmaking. The activities were accessible, easy to do at home and celebrated the idea that everyone is creative.

We were delighted to receive pictures, videos and reflections from people who took part and we’re so grateful to everyone who shared their work with us. One #CreateWeek participant shared:

taking part in the activities helped me to clear my head after a busy day

(You can still send your works to communications@createarts.org.uk or tag us using #CreateWeek!)

collaborating with white stuff and harrow carers

A huge shout-out to White Stuff who, under the guidance of Create artist Alba, teamed up with carers from Harrow to create a striking, hand-crafted window display celebrating Create Week. This unique collaboration gave unpaid carers the opportunity to step away from their responsibilities, connect with others and showcase their creativity. The display brought colour, care and creativity to the high street – and lots of smiles to passers- by! One of the carers involved shared:

“The window dressing experience was a journey of joy for us carers… thank you so much Harrow Carers! Create have a wonderful team & employ the most talented, experienced & encouraging artists like Alba… whose vision, direction & guidance was enlightening and deeply fulfilling. She was a total pleasure to work with…“

The window dressing experience has created many precious memories to treasure for ever. A big ‘Thank you‘ to all involved!

Organisations Across the UK Got Involved

From local charities and schools to national networks, organisations embraced the spirit of Create Week. Whether running group sessions, encouraging customers and colleagues to take part or sharing the word online, we were inspired by how many people celebrated creativity with us.

Some groups even built entire events around the Create Week resources, bringing people together to draw, weave and share their experiences in powerful and personal ways. One of our partners, Dawn, got involved in our Day 1 drawing activity during their monthly team social, sharing an incredible collection of works made by staff! Members of the team shared their experience:

It was fun to spend time as a team being creative outside of work! Just enjoying the process and the calm that came with it was lovely, it’s rare I get to have a crafty evening like that. It felt really refreshing to slow down, do something with my hands and chat with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

Alice milner, senior designer

“Being creative and removing yourself from technology allows you to feel free and think differently. It allows the team to relax away from the pressure of deadlines and have a laugh together. It created a team spirit with a lot of praise being passed around for everyone’s efforts.” – David O’Hearns, Managing Director

Why Create Week Matters

At Create, our vision is of a  society in which everyone has access to the educational, social and life-enriching benefits of the creative arts. We believe that creativity is a fundamental human need, not a luxury. Whether you’re a young carer, an older adult living with dementia or simply someone looking to reconnect with your imagination, through creativity, we create space to explore our emotions, build confidence and support our wellbeing.

Thank You

Create Week 2025 would not have been possible without our talented artists, dedicated partners, generous funders and – most importantly – everyone who took part. Whether you created quietly at home, shared your work online or helped spread the word, thank you for helping us make this a week to remember.

If you didn’t get a chance to finish all seven activities, you can still download these for free at createweek.org and follow along on YouTube. It’s never too late to get creative!

Let’s keep creating, connecting and celebrating – all year round.