The ERSI have published a new study which has found that children who engage in cultural life and arts perform better in school and are more confident later in life.

The study, which was commisioned by the Arts Council of Ireland, draws upon data collected through the Growing Up in Ireland survey with a focus on arts and cultural engagement among three, five, nine and thirteen year olds.

The report found that less than half of nine year olds and just one third of 13 year olds participated in a cultural activity such as art, drama, music or dancing outside of school.

It also found that the level of cultural participation was impacted by family life, gender and social background differences. The report notes: 'the highly gendered nature of children’s participation in arts and culture is striking, with girls much more likely to participate than boys from as young an age as three.'

Children from more highly educated families and from families with higher incomes were found to be more involved in cultural activities. The report elaborates: 'as the majority of such activities are paid for, income emerges as a barrier to participation, with higher levels of involvement among those in the top two income quintiles (fifths).'

Children who attend schools that have a stronger emphasis on cultural activities were more likely to participate in such activities outside of school.

Young children who are read to frequently have better vocabulary and cognitive development by the age of five while older children who self-read and took part in activiteis outside of school had better verbal and numeric skills and were more confident in their academic work.

Source: Arts and Cultural Participation among Children and Young People: Insights from the Growing Up in Ireland Study

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