Leisure survey shows culture on freetime agenda

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has just released its latest survey information on participation in culture, arts and sport and found that ninety four per cent of people have done something cultural or sporting in the past year.

This is the first survey of its kind into how people in Britain are spending their leisure time and what would encourage them to get more involved.

The survey has found that in the past year forty eight per cent of people in Britain attended a library, forty two per cent attended museum/gallery and seven per cent volunteered in cultural and sporting sectors. Seventy per cent of adults visited a historic site and sixty nine per cent took part in a sporting activity. The survey also found that people living in rural areas are more likely to attend and participate in arts events than city dwellers and that with the rising interest in family history, 2.4 million adults visited an archive in the last year.

The survey's findings will help shape future DCMS and Museums, Libraries, Archives Council (MLA) policy to improve engagement across the cultural, leisure and sporting sectors.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, said: "This comprehensive survey shows the vital role culture and sport play in the life of our country.  It tells us how people are getting involved - be it playing sport, visiting our museums or stately homes, playing a musical instrument or tracing their family history.  It allows us to focus our efforts on where we need to do more so that everyone is able to enjoy inspiring activities."

Chris Batt, Chief Executive of MLA, added: “The Taking Part results show us that in the last twelve months, sixty four per cent of adults visited a museum, library and archive sector institution. This is proof positive of the significance these institutions have in the everyday life of individuals in this country, as well in future projects such as the Cultural Olympiad.”

For more information and to view the full taking part survey visit  the DCMS website.