How To Measure the Social Value of Community Art?
- Rose Hill
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
At Co-Creative Connection, we know that murals and creative projects bring colour, joy, and pride to communities. But their impact goes deeper than what you can see on the wall. They build relationships, strengthen wellbeing, and spark long-term positive change.
This wider benefit is what we call social value.
Social value is the positive difference a project makes to people’s lives and communities. It’s about more than outputs like “number of workshops held”, it’s about outcomes such as increased confidence, stronger neighbourhood connections, and a greater sense of belonging!
Measuring social value is important because it:
Helps funders, councils, and housing associations understand the impact of investing in art.
Gives communities a voice in sharing their experiences and achievements.
Shows how creativity can create ripples of change beyond the project itself.
So how do we measure social value in a way that feels meaningful, not just statistical? Here’s how we do it at CCC:
Listening to Local People
Every project begins and ends with the people who live in the community.
We use feedback forms and casual conversations to ask residents how the project made them feel, what they’ve gained, and what they’d like to see in the future!
💬 “I’m proud of the art I made. I think it'll mean to the Finsbury Park community that we are all one, and together we are stronger.” - Ibrahim, Finsbury Park Station Project Participant 2024
💬 “Looking at the finished artwork, I feel so very proud knowing I was part of that. My family is very proud, knowing MUM was part of it.” - Bibi, Lewisham Homes and Higgins Partnership Project Participant 2021
💬 “I have attended three workshops, together with my 10 year old, and I am so happy we did! Rose is an incredible artist and amazing person. She made us feel welcomed and appreciated. Loved working on creating new patterns and designs! I look forward to participate in future projects organised by Rose." - Lia, Higgins Partnerships & The City of London York Way Estate Project Participant 2023
These stories are just as valuable as numbers, because they reveal the lived experiences of those who use and love the space every day.
Tracking Participation
Participation tells us whether people feel ownership of the project.
We keep track of how many people join our workshops, how many stop to chat during the painting process, and how many return more than once.
It’s not just about quantity, it’s about noticing the quality of engagement. Did people come back? Did new friendships spark? Did neighbours who had never spoken before start a conversation over paint pots?
Observing Wellbeing
Wellbeing can be tricky to measure, but it often shows up in everyday moments.
Neighbours smiling and taking photos. People telling us they feel safer or more proud of where they live. A sense of buzz and positivity around the mural space.
Sometimes even local data, like reduced antisocial behaviour, points to the wider ripple effects of creative projects.
Looking at Long-Term Impact
True social value goes far beyond the project timeline.
We often see groups formed during our workshops continuing to meet, or murals sparking new creative activities within the community. Residents tell us that months later, they still feel uplifted each time they walk past the artwork.
On one project, two neighbours who had lived on the same estate for 30 years met for the very first time. They formed such a strong bond that they went on to start a charity supporting children with autism something that would never have happened without those workshops.
These lasting ripples show that creativity doesn’t just brighten a wall, it transforms how people connect with each other and the place they call home.
Celebrating Collective Pride
Another powerful way we measure social value is by noticing the collective pride that grows around a project. This can look like local people bringing family and friends to see the finished mural, schools using the artwork as a teaching tool, or local businesses proudly displaying photos of it. When people feel ownership and want to share the artwork with others, it shows that the project has become a meaningful symbol of identity and belonging for the community.
Why This Matters
By listening to stories, tracking participation, observing wellbeing, and looking at long-term change, we build a picture of the real impact our projects create.
This evidence matters for funders, councils, and housing associations, but more importantly, it matters for communities, because it honours their voices and experiences.
At CCC, we believe the value of art lies not only in what you see, but in what you feel. And when measured well, those feelings can inspire more investment, more creativity, and more thriving communities.
Lets Create Positive Social Impact Together
Want to explore how a mural could bring value to your community? We’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch via the link below to find out how we can create something meaningful together.
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