Luminate Stakeholder Survey 2025

We first conducted a stakeholder survey in 2022, to consult with people who engage with creative ageing work. Our stakeholders are varied, and include arts organisations, care organisations and freelance creatives.

The 2025 survey is the second time this research has been conducted and year-on-year comparisons have been made where possible and appropriate.

Our 2022 sector survey naturally focused on the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, however several years on restrictions have long been lifted and our focus is now around understanding any lasting legacy.

We found that around half of respondents had experienced positive lasting changes (most often that innovative projects have continued or evolved) and around half of respondents had experienced negative lasting changes (most often securing funding, and that some older adults remain hesitant to return to programmes).

The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact, with 38% of respondents stating that they are experiencing more difficulty in securing funding to support work with older people.

60% of the respondents told us that they are planning to increase the amount of work that they do for and with older adults in the future.

There has been an increase in familiarity with Luminate – rising from 71% in 2022 to 80% in 2025. We asked the respondents what support they need, and as in 2022, priorities included funding opportunities, networking and guidance.

Just over a quarter of respondents felt that older people’s voices are currently well heard across the cultural and creative life of Scotland. Change will take time to achieve and there is therefore still work to do.