‘Stories That Connect Us’
Every year on 24 September, care settings across the UK come together to celebrate arts and creativity; organising activities, performances and projects as part of their National Day celebrations.
Launched in 2019, the National Day provides a national focus for care communities to develop art activities and projects around an annual theme. It has grown each year, with hundreds of care settings taking part and thousands of people sharing in creative experiences together.
Celebrate the National Day of Arts in Care Homes on 24 September by showing us how you’re bringing Stories That Connect Us to life.
Send us a photo or short video of your activity and tell us what inspired it.
One winner will receive a £250 Creative Prize, including arts and crafts materials and a £150 Amazon voucher.
Email entries to socialmedia@napa-activities.org.uk by 28 September 2026.
Please make sure you have permission to share any photos or videos.
Choose your art form
any creative activity counts, from painting to performance
Plan with your community
involve residents, staff and families in the planning
Download the resources
use the free packs below to support your event
Share your story
use #AICH2026 and tag NAPA
The theme for 2026 is Stories That Connect Us, celebrating creativity through sustainability.
Ideas include:
The focus is on exploring the artistic potential of recycled, reused and natural materials while supporting meaningful, eco-friendly creativity. Whether your plans are simple or ambitious, creativity and connection are what matter most.
We love hearing how the day has made a difference. If you hosted, attended or supported an event, please share your feedback email aich@napa-activities.co.uk.
Your insights help us:
The focus is on exploring the artistic potential of recycled, reused and natural materials while supporting meaningful, eco-friendly creativity. Whether your plans are simple or ambitious, creativity and connection are what matter most.
As we begin our new three-year Creativity and Arts Programme, we want to understand what creativity and arts provision looks like across care settings today. Whether you’re an activity provider, care leader, artist, arts organisation, community group, volunteer or someone involved in bringing creativity into care, we want to hear from you.
Your experiences, ideas and insights will help us build a programme that reflects the needs of the sector, celebrates great practice and supports creativity to flourish for everyone receiving care.
There are lots of downloadable resources available to help you plan and deliver your event, including activity ideas and inspiration for creativity.
