The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is launching a national survey of amateur arts groups in England.

For the first time ever, government is encouraging groups of voluntary and amateur participants within the arts, including the music, dance and crafts, theatre, visual arts and literature sectors, to complete an online questionnaire from 1–29 February.

Culture minister Margaret Hodge said: “This survey is the first step to connect with those involved. Over 70 per cent 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.“

The results of the poll will be published in the summer. Details: www.artsurvey.org.uk