Today, the Alliance for Socially Engaged Arts launches Constellations of Change, our landmark report into the field of socially engaged arts (SEA).
At a time of growing inequality, polarisation and declining trust in institutions throughout Europe, Constellations of Change makes the case for greater recognition and support for SEA and the vital contribution they make to communities, civic life and social cohesion.
This study maps 1,128 organisations across 39 European countries—the most comprehensive study of its kind—and recognises the broad and varied impact of the many socially engaged artists and organisations working across Europe. It strengthens the evidence base for the field, highlighting its unique role in translating global challenges into local action by harnessing creativity to bring communities together, address systemic issues and imagine more inclusive and sustainable futures.
Combining survey findings, policy analysis, case studies and practitioner perspectives, the report offers a comprehensive overview of SEA organisations across Europe. It demonstrates the field’s contribution to addressing a wide range of societal challenges—from strengthening civic engagement and wellbeing to supporting inclusion, participation and environmental action—while outlining the changes needed for the field to thrive. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for policymakers, funders and practitioners to strengthen support for socially engaged arts at local, national and EU levels.
What’s inside Constellations of Change:
- Defining the field: History, terminology and common principles.
- Understanding impact: How SEA facilitate personal, collective and systemic change.
- SEA organisations: Structure, characteristics and approaches to community collaboration.
- Challenges and needs: Barriers and opportunities for SEA thriving.
- Strategic alignment: The role of policymaking and funding in recognising and resourcing the field.
- Future trends: Exploring emerging pathways for the field’s evolution.
- Taking action: Recommendations for field-building and advocacy at local, national and EU levels.
Commissioned by the Alliance, Constellations of Change has been a collaborative project, developed by The Field Società Cooperativa, Fondazione Santagata per l’Economia della Cultura, and KEA European Affairs.
You can explore the full report and find out more by filling out the requested details below. Once completed, download links to the report, a supplement and executive summary will become available.
We have also developed an advocacy toolkit to support practitioners, organisations, networks, funders and policymarkers utilising the report for local, national and EU-wide advocacy.