This article written in January 2021 shares findings from a national research programme that is building a robust and in-depth picture of the impacts of Covid-19 on the UK’s cultural sector. Our initial case study interviews are offering a number of in-depth insights into cultural workers’ experiences during the pandemic and this article brings together ... Read more

This report from The Audience Agency shares findings from a nationwide survey on the public’s views about participating in creative and cultural activities through the pandemic. It is part of a wider national research programme that is building a robust and in-depth picture of the impacts of Covid-19 on the UK’s cultural sector.

This article written in December 2020 shares findings from a national research programme that is building a robust and in-depth picture of the impacts of Covid-19 on the UK’s cultural sector. It looks at the impacts of the pandemic on employment in the cultural sector by analysing labour force data from the Office of National ... Read more

In this series of learning case studies, cultural practitioners share their reflections and learning honestly, so others can learn from and build on their experience. In this example, Tim Joss from Aesop shares learning from the Dance to Health programme and the role research and evaluation played in the programme itself and the learning it ... Read more

This policy review looks at social security support for cultural practitioners and how effective these schemes were during the Covid-19 pandemic. The review covers Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom and outlines different national approaches, emerging evidence and the need for further research in this area.

This policy review looks at governmental cultural policy responses to the Covid-19 pandemic across the UK and reflects on how these measures might shape the future of the cultural sector.

When we think about audience research, are we hoping to engage people who are new to the arts, deepen the experience of those who already attend, or demonstrate the cultural value of live arts events? Stephanie Pitts shares four recommended reads to help deepen your understanding of audiences and audience research.

Are you interested in working with academics to create new knowledge and amplify understanding? This guide by Culture Forum North helps you consider the potential benefits of research partnerships with academics and suggests how to initiate and develop these relationships.      

Have you ever wanted to do research but didn’t have either the resources or expertise to do it alone? If the answer is yes, this guide might be what you’re looking for.

What is cultural democracy and how have ideas about cultural democracy – from the radical to the pragmatic – influenced policy and practise? David Stevenson shares seven recommended reads on cultural democracy and challenges you to think about how cultural participation is understood and supported in the UK.    

How are different countries around the world responding to the impact of Covid-19 on the cultural sector? Hear about different policy interventions to Covid-19 and explore how cultural policy might be reshaped and reimagined in the future.

Are you thinking about participation and the different values we all bring to our experience of culture? Here are six recommended reads that will help you explore the different meanings people give to ‘participation’ and how this affects the approaches we might take.

Explore the evidence surrounding culture on referral programmes (also known as arts on prescription) and the implications for cultural sector practitioners and policymakers. This research digest reviews and summarises the academic literature and identifies where there is evidence and where further research is needed.

Katy Raines, Indigo takes us through the first waves of findings from their national research on audience views to returning to live cultural events, booking tickets now and in the future and missing out on events during lockdown. Includes full, downloadable report, summary of findings and link to interactive dashboard.

Digital Culture 2019 is a study on the impact and use of technology in the arts and culture sector, from Arts Council England and Nesta.  

An abstract from the Spektrix Insights Report 2019 that focuses on maximising individual donations.

Laura Cusick, Research Executive at thrive, the Belfast-based audience development agency guides as through what makes a great survey and how quantitative research can give you the insight you need.

The first in a series of snapshots by The Audience Agency focused on engaging audiences with specific profiles and needs

A major piece of new research that maps and analyses engagement approaches across the Creative People and Places programme. Written by Sarah Boiling and Clare Thurman. Commissioned by the Creative People and Places Network.

This publication by Bob Harlow, published by The Wallace Foundation, provides guidelines to help you design and manage your own audience research. It explores how research can help you learn about potential audiences, create more effective promotional materials and track progress towards your audience-building goals.