Throughout its history the Carnegie UK Trust has had a keen interest in supporting access to knowledge and culture.  In the early years, one of the most effective ways to support access to knowledge was through the creation of public libraries.   

The question of the future role of libraries and how they can contribute to wellbeing in the 21st century is a key issue for local communities and for those who provide library services. The Trust is engaged in this important debate following its reports in 2012.

Arts and culture have an important role to play in developing resilient communities and confident individuals.  In the past the Trust has supported many cultural and artistic organisations, while today it has an interest in how the arts can be used as a tool to support social change, to create social capital, and in therapeutic interventions, as well as part of a vibrant enterprising society. 

The Trust is also actively pursuing an interest in the media and how it contributes to democracy.  In a digital age, access to broadband and its successors will be an important underpinning for wellbeing and engagement in society.  We are also interested in standards in journalism, and how to ensure an ethical basis for the media in the UK and Ireland.