In a new inquiry the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee is to investigate ways in which taking part in the arts, cultural activities and sport can have a positive impact on health, community and education.

Participation in culture and sport has a proven link to a wide range of benefits. The Committee is expected to focus on five major themes, taking evidence on social mobility, health, crime reduction, education, community engagement and diversity. The legacy of the Olympics may also be considered as part of the inquiry.

The Committee is keen to hear from specific case studies of success. There is no single cross-Government strategy of support for this work – alongside funding from Arts Council England and other government bodies, projects are largely run by charities and private organisations. Often projects are delivered in isolation rather than in partnership with public bodies which could extend their reach and influence. The inquiry would seek to draw the Government’s attention to the importance of these activities and ‘join up’ currently separated departmental efforts.

Terms of reference

• Which programmes best demonstrate the positive social impact that participating in sport and culture can have on the five central themes of this inquiry?
• How can access to cultural and sporting professions be improved to enable greater diversity? How can the Government build a pipeline of talent?
• Why has the Government not co-ordinated its efforts more effectively?
• Where are the examples of departmental best practice and how could it be shared?
• Has the sport sector been better for social mobility than the arts? If so, why?
• How can museums, galleries and other cultural venues boost access and social impact?

Submitting evidence

The Committee invites evidence from the public, organisations and others with relevant expertise, on the terms of reference by February 22nd 2018. Evidence can be submitted via the evidence portal.

Each submission should:

• be no more than 3,000 words in length
• be in Word format with as little use of colour or logos as possible
• have numbered paragraphs

Further information regarding submitting evidence to Committees: Guide to submitting evidence