Tackling inequalities through Creative Engagement

We deliver impactful creative projects that enrich lives, and consistently strive to:

  • Improve Wellbeing Image

    Improve Wellbeing

  • Improve Life Chances Image

    Improve Life Chances

  • Foster Creativity Image

    Foster Creativity

  • Engage People Image

    Engage People

  • Empower Communities Image

    Empower Communities

  • Combat Loneliness Image

    Combat Loneliness

Positive change through creativity Image

Positive change through creativity

We help develop

Over the last year we have:

  • Engaged over 7,000 people
  • Delivered over 3,000 workshops
  • Sent out 800 creative art packs
  • Ensured 81% of the young people we work with move on to positive destinations.
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We are an award winning charity which strives to tackle inequalities in Scotland.

We specialise in using the arts to tackle inequalities, improve health and as a way to excite, involve and create meaningful impacts for the people and communities we work with.  

Established in 1994, we have engaged across 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and with over 300,000 people.

Creating opportunities for voices to be heard Image

Creating opportunities for voices to be heard

Our ability to think and deliver creatively has ensured we are able to transform lives by reaching out to under-supported and underrepresented people where our alternative creative approach offers a new way to successfully engage with them.

Today Impact Arts builds on its strong foundations and values – ensuring that the people of Scotland are valued as a central, indispensable and celebrated part of our rich society.

We envisage a Scotland where people benefit from life transforming creative engagement that tackles inequalities and addresses poverty.

Our values are at the centre of all we do:

  • Creativity Image

    Creativity

    We always place creativity at the centre of all we do

  • Integrity Image

    Integrity

    We are always honest and truthful and act with transparency

  • Equality  Image

    Equality

    We value people’s right to be different and ensure everyone has equal opportunity

  • Kindness Image

    Kindness

    We always treat everyone with care and respect

  • Ambition Image

    Ambition

    We are always ambitious in what we want to achieve for our partners, participants and colleagues

Our History

2022

Glasgow City Centre

Impact Arts moves to Glasgow City Centre

Impact Arts opens Edinburgh premises in Montgomery Street Lane

2021

UK Government Funding

Secured community Renewal Funding from the UK Government to deliver a range of projects in North Ayrshire

2020

55 Staff!

Organisation grows to £2m turnover and 55 core staff

Impact Arts programmes go virtual due to Covid-19 and deliver over 800 art packs to participants

2019

Employability Funding

Secured National Third Sector Challenge Fund for employability work

2017

CashBack

Launched CashBack to the Future

2015

£1m Funding Secured

Lisa Gallagher (nee Maclean) become Director

Fiona Doring becomes Director

Secured £1m Our Bright Future environmental funding

2013

Patrons

David Shrigley becomes patron of The Young Gallery

2012

Edinburgh Moves

Edinburgh office moved to the Printworks in Leith

Open the Young Gallery

Lynne Carr become CEO

2011

Eco Chic Boutique

We launched the Eco Chic Boutique on High Street, Glasgow

2010

Irvine We’ve Arrived

Opened Impact Arts premises at Bank Street, Irvine

2009

Craft Café Exists

The first Craft Café was launched

Rachel Brown (nee Arnold) becomes Director

2008

£4m Investment

Impact Arts secured Inspiring Scotland investment of £4m

Creative Pathways was launched

2007

To Edinburgh!

We opened an Edinburgh office in Craigmillar

2005

The Gallery

Opened Gallery 37

2004

Creation Zone

Opened the Creation Zone, Gorbals

Opened the Home retail store on High street Glasgow

2003

The Factory

Impact Arts moves to The Factory, Dennistoun

Launched Artist Mentoring Programme

The Music Project features Amy Macdonald

2001

We Become a Charity

Impact Arts gains charitable status

1999

The First Project

Launched Fab Pad

1997

The First Employee

Mairi McLaren (nee Sanders) Header of Finance & Corporate Services joins Impact Arts

Woodlands mosaic bollards

1995

Our First Location

Impact Arts get its first premises at Napiershall Street

1994

Founding

Susan Aktemel (nee White) – founder established Impact Arts as a sole trader

Our People Image

Our People

Meet The Team

Meet our team who are committed to tackling inequalities in Scotland through creative engagement. Our staff, artists and volunteers bring a diversity of skills and enthusiasm into their work and the lives of each of our participants.

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Publications

Dive into the details

Discover the details of our programmes and the impact of our work on children, young people, older people and communities across Scotland.

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Our Commitments

Ensuring we deliver

Impact Arts is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring fair working practices throughout our governance and operations.

We work with some incredible partners