A national charity based in Stoke-on-Trent is using art to build the skills, confidence and social connections of people in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the city.

Art UK, which has its head office at University of Staffordshire, is on a mission to connect people to art, whether they are schoolchildren, scholars, teachers or tourists.

It has a free digital platform where anyone in the world can explore the wealth of the nation’s art, helping people build meaningful connections with the UK’s cultural heritage.

Art UK’s community engagement mission is to open up this national collection so that people from all walks of life can engage with art, artists and collections for learning, research, enjoyment, skills development and improved wellbeing.

Since May 2024 it has been running an in‑person community volunteering programme in Stoke‑on‑Trent to explore how a digital engagement tool called Tagger can bring people closer to the art around them. Tagger is a digital crowdsourcing tool that allows people to ‘tag’ artworks with descriptive words, improving the accessibility and searchability of art on the Art UK website while discovering new artists and artworks along the way.

Katey Goodwin, Deputy Chief Executive of Art UK, said: “This work has proven to be more than a digital exercise; it has become a catalyst for connection, curiosity and pride in the local area.

“Focusing on museums and public art in Stoke‑on‑Trent, participants have been able to contribute their knowledge, develop new appreciation for their city and see familiar places with fresh eyes.

“The shared activity of tagging creates opportunities for conversation, storytelling and reminiscence, which are powerful tools known to enhance memory, reduce stress and help combat depression.

“Our groups in Stoke‑on‑Trent have used Tagger as a springboard for sharing personal stories and local insights. These sessions improve communication skills, encourage gentle cognitive exercise and help participants reconnect with memories tied to place and community.

“The programme is strengthening digital skills, visual literacy and confidence in exploring and interpreting art, opening up new avenues of creative thinking and discovery.”

To date Art UK has delivered 54 in‑person activities across Stoke‑on‑Trent, including monthly sessions in Fegg Hayes and Stoke town, engaging 1,062 participants. It runs events in accessible community hubs such as libraries, parks and community centres to make it easy for people to take part close to home. These welcoming, informal settings help participants build friendships, meet people they might not otherwise encounter and feel part of something bigger.

It stages tag‑a‑thons, workshops, photo walks and creative challenges unite people around a common goal of improving access to Stoke‑on‑Trent’s collections and sharing local perspectives with the world.

Art UK has entered the Business in the Community (Charity) category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.