RESEARCH

Our Research

Understanding wellbeing for racialised creatives in Scotland

Creative Balance is a multi-phase research project documenting the mental health and wellbeing experiences of Black People and People of Colour working in Scotland's creative industries. Using arts-based methodologies, we're building an evidence base that centres lived experience and community voice.

Our approach

We use creative methods - including collage-making, group discussion and storytelling - to explore what wellbeing means for our communities. This approach moves away from traditional research frameworks and creates space for participants to share experiences on their own terms.

Research phases

Phase 1: Group Interviews Group sessions with racialised creatives across Scotland, exploring experiences of wellbeing, barriers within the sector, and visions for change. [Read more →]

Phase 2: Analysis & Report Thematic analysis of our findings, leading to a published report with recommendations for the sector. [Coming soon]

Culture Counts Advocacy and policy work, developing resources and engaging with sector stakeholders. [Coming soon]

What's emerging

Our research is surfacing themes around isolation, tokenism, the need for BPOC-led spaces, economic precarity, and what culturally responsive support could look like. Full findings for Phase 1 will be published in 2026.