On 1 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be launching the first ever national survey of amateur arts groups in England.

Groups of voluntary and amateur participants from all artistic walks of life - from music, dance and crafts, to theatre, visual arts and literature - are being encouraged to participate by going to http://www.artsurvey.org.uk and completing a short online questionnaire before 29th February.

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, said: "The arts are a really important part of so many people's lives. Taking part in local voluntary arts groups is rewarding, fascinating and fun. This survey is the first step to connect with those involved. Over 70% of people in England take part in artistic activities in all their many and varied forms - but for too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised as an important part of our thriving arts scene. This survey will try to map voluntary and amateur arts groups and look at how they are supported and how more people could be encouraged to get involved."

http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Press_notices/archive_2008/dcms006_08.htm