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Research and Reports

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External Resources

This section includes a growing range of consolidated external resources.

Discrimination, inequality and exclusion based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability and religion are issues that the creative industries must be conscious of and actively campaign against.

As a University that prides itself in widening participation in education and ensuring access for all, we are keen to support the creative industries build an evidence-rich and active approach to diversity and inclusion.

The following reports, articles and commissions will support creative practitioners and organisations with this mission.

Panic! Social Class, Taste and Inequalities in the Creative Industries

The first sociological study on social mobility in the cultural industries, released by Create London and Arts Emergency on April 16th, 2018.

The paper is part of the wider Panic! project initiated in 2015, that takes an unprecedented look at social mobility and inequality within the cultural and creative industries in the UK. Led by academics Drs Dave O’Brien, Orian Brook, and Mark Taylor from the Universities of Edinburgh and Sheffield, the paper highlights the significant exclusions of those from working class origins, women and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds across the cultural and creative industries, which include the arts, music, publishing, advertising and IT.

Reference and link:

Brook, O., O’Brien, D. and Taylor, M., 2018. Panic! Social Class, Taste And Inequalities In The Creative Industries. [online] Available at: hcreatelondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Panic-Social-Class-Taste-and-Inequalities-in-the-Creative-Industries1.pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020].

Creative Diversity: The state of diversity in the UK’s creative industries, and what we can do about it

A survey of available data, which confirms the creative industries are failing to reflect the diversity of the populations where they are based.

Reference and link:

Creative Industries Federation & MOBO, 2017. Creative Diversity:The state of diversity in the UK’s creative industries, and what we can do about it. [online] Available at: www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/sites/default/files/2017-06/30183-CIF%20Access%20&%20Diversity%20Booklet_A4_Web%20(1)(1).pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020].

Open Conversations: Developing Strong, Effective Connections To Black, Asian And Minority Ethnic Communities

This report reflects on the success created by the determination of Voluntary Arts to persist with a challenge that they, and many other arts organisations, have been committed to for several years – namely achieving greater inclusion. Racially diverse engagement has posed distinctive challenges for those under-represented and disconnected organisations to achieve.

Reference and link:

Voluntary Arts, 2016. Open Conversations: Developing Strong, Effective Connections To Black, Asian And Minority Ethnic Communities. [online] Available at: www.voluntaryarts.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=03810465-0337-4f49-a1d6-5ac97b06b349 [Last Accessed 22 May 2020].

Roadmap: Positive Action Recruitment

Increasing workforce diversity in the cultural sector is key to ensuring a vibrant and resilient future. This recruitment toolkit for the cultural sector has been co-created between The Audience Agency and The British Museum complete with tips and templates to get you started. It provides guidance on implementing a recruitment model that engages a more diverse range of people – through partnership building, taster days, and group interviews. This model was used during the British Museum’s HLF Skills for the Future project, the Learning Museum.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency and The British Museum, n.d. Roadmap: Positive Action Recruitment [online] Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1993/download?1572528245 [Last Accessed 22 May 2020].

Can the Arts Tackle Digital Exclusion?

A feature by The Audience Agency that reflects on new research that highlights how cultural organisations could play a key role in demystifying the internet to non-users.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, n.d. Can the Arts Tackle Digital Exclusion? [online]. Available at www.theaudienceagency.org/resources/can-the-arts-tackle-digital-exclusion [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

Can You Quantify Class?

A feature by The Audience Agency that considers how you can frame discussions around class.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, n.d. Can you Quantify Class? [online] Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/resources/can-you-quantify-class [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

Building Access: A good practice guide for arts and cultural organisations

A guide that sets out best practice to support organisations in identifying and removing the barriers that may exist in their physical environment.

Reference and link:

Earnscliffe, J and The Arts Council Capital Team, 2019. Building Access: A good practice guide for arts and cultural organisations [online] Available at: www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Building_Access_Guide_080519_0.pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

Policies and Good Practices in the Public Arts and in Cultural Institutions to Promote Better Access to and Widen Participation in Culture.

A report that derives from the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Working Group of EU Member States' experts on better access to and wider participation in arts and culture.

Reference and link:

The Open Method of Coordination Working Group, 2012. A Report on Policies and Good Practices in the Public Arts and in Cultural Institutions to Promote Better Access to and Widen Participation in Culture [online] Available at ec.europa.eu/assets/eac/culture/policy/strategic-framework/documents/omc-report-access-to-culture_en.pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

Making a Shift Report: Disabled people and the Arts and Cultural Sector Workforce in England: Understanding trends, barriers and opportunities

A report commissioned by Arts Council England with the aim of improving their understanding of disabled people’s experiences of the arts and culture workforce and identifying actions to reduce barriers.

Reference and link:

Arts Council England and EW Group, 2018. Making a Shift Report: Disabled people and the Arts and Cultural Sector Workforce in England: Understanding trends, barriers and opportunities [online]. Available at www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/ACE206%20MAKING%20A%20SHIFT%20Report%20FINAL.pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

From 'Applied Theatre' to 'Socially Engaged' arts practice, the UK's creative sectors includes a range of artists, theatre practitioners and other creatives who apply their skills in social contexts, third sector organisations, public health/social welfare, education and criminal justice settings.

Understanding the value, need and skills of applied practices also offers creatives the opportunity to demonstrate the impact of their art as part of a larger body of work, whilst also situating their practice in line with a range of practical, interdisciplinary and enterprise skills.

The Durham Commission on Creativity in Education

This commission looks at the role creativity and creative thinking should play in the education of young people. The Commission, a collaboration between Arts Council England and Durham University, undertook extensive research to develop a definition of creativity, offer a vision for how this vision could be implemented in all schools in England and suggest specific policy and practice recommendations to ensure that the vision becomes reality.

The commission was set up in response to the strength of opinion across the business, education and public sectors that young people are emerging into a world in which the skills and knowledge of the current education system will no longer be sufficient.

Reference and link:

Cohu, W., Daniels, S., James, S., Houston, A., Lucas, B., Morgan, N., Newton, L., 2019. Durham Commission on Creativity in Education [online] Available at: www.dur.ac.uk/resources/creativitycommission/DurhamReport.pdf [Last Accessed 17 January 2024]

Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing

A report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group. The report provides a detailed overview of the Inquiry by the Group into existing engagement of the arts in health and social care, with a view to making recommendations to improve policy and practice.

Reference and link:

All Party Parliamentary Group, 2017. Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing [online]. Available at: https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry/ [Last Accessed 17 January 2024]

Imagine Nation: The Case for Cultural Learning

This report reflects on and celebrates the importance of cultural learning, the barriers affecting its sustainable growth and a call to arms for everyone in education and the arts in the UK today.

Reference and link:

The Cultural Learning Alliance, 2017, Imagine Nation: The Case for Cultural Learning [online] Available at: culturallearningalliance.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ImagineNation_The_Case_for_Cultural_Learning.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Measuring Changes in Subjective Well-Being for Engagement in the arts, culture and Sport

This research paper considers change in subjective well-being from engagement in leisure activities, encompassing the arts, culture and sport.

Reference and link:

Wheatley, D. and Bickerton, C. 2019, Measuring Changes in Subjective Well-Being for Engagement in the arts, culture and Sport [online] Available at: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10824-019-09342-7 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Connected Communities: Understanding the changing nature of communities in their contexts and the role of communities in sustaining and enhancing our quality of life

Connected Communities is a cross-Council Programme being led by the AHRC in partnership with the EPSRC, ESRC, MRC and NERC and a range of external partners.

The AHRC-led Connected Communities Programme is unique. It is leading by example in demonstrating how innovations in the co-design of research, reconfigurations of engagement with research users and challenges to the distance between academic research and community engagement can be channelled into productive new perspectives. The distinctive role that the arts and humanities have in this approach is generating new insights and interactions across a range of organisations, communities and research fields.

Reference and link:

AHRC, 2014, Connected Communities: Understanding the changing nature of communities in their contexts and the role of communities in sustaining and enhancing our quality of life [online] Available at: ahrc.ukri.org/documents/publications/connected-communities-brochure/ [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Dig in: an evaluation of the role of archaeological fieldwork for the improved wellbeing of military veterans

This article seeks to contextualise the current landscape of ‘rehabilitation archaeology’ for military personnel and veterans, through the presentation of data from the largest service evaluation to be based on standardised psychological measures undertaken to date. The results demonstrate improvements in wellbeing among veterans participating in fieldwork in 2018, including a reduction in the occurrence of anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation, and a greater sense of being valued.

Reference and link:

Everill, P., Bennett, R., Burnell, K. 2020, Dig in: an evaluation of the role of archaeological fieldwork for the improved wellbeing of military veterans [online] Available at: www.cambridge.org/core/services/dig_in_an_evaluation_of_the_role_of_archaeological_fieldwork_for_the_improved_wellbeing_of_military_veterans.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

AHRC WW1 Engagement Centres

This report summarises work from the five WW1 Engagement Centres, reflecting on their achievements to date and looking forward to ongoing research projects as the centenary commemorations and partnership with HLF continues.

Reference and link:

AHRC, 2017, AHRC WW1 Engagement Centres [online] Available at: https://ahrc.ukri.org/documents/publications/wwi-engagement-centres/ [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Evidencing Libraries Audience Reach Research Findings and Analysis

A report commissioned by Arts Council England for The Audience Agency to understand the extraordinary reach of public libraries and especially how audience research and data are accessed and used by library practitioners.

Reference and link:

Cudworth, K., Fortnum, J., 2017, Evidencing Libraries Audience Reach Research Findings and Analysis [online] Available at: https://www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1998 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Engagement Snapshot: Older Audiences

One in five people in England is over the age of 65, and the figure is growing. This is a large and diverse cohort spanning from recent retirees to great-grandparents.

Delving into the data about older audiences can help the arts sector think practically about the role we can play in building a fulfilling creative culture for older audiences.

This overview by the Audience Agency provides a useful evidence-led insight into older audiences for programmers and applied practitioners focusing on practice with older demographics.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, 2018, [online] Available at: https://www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1682/download?1539181105 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

The term 'cultural democracy' describes an approach to arts and culture that actively engages everyone in deciding what counts as culture, where it happens, who makes it, and who experiences it. It is not a new concept, but it's one that seems to be gaining focus across arts and culture (64 Million Artists, online).

In line with cultural democracy, the term 'Arts advocacy' is equally gaining currency in the UK. Arts advocacy is the act of communicating the value and benefit of the arts, including to policymakers, public funders and the public.

The following links, papers, articles and reports will help you to better understand these key terms and support you in aligning your creative output in line with these bigger concepts.

Arts Advocacy Arguments: Navigating the Network

This american-focused study explores how an arts advocacy network of professional non‐profit theatre in Oregon contributes to the dissemination of information and arts advocacy efforts; what influences how arts advocacy arguments are framed and articulated and how those arguments move within an arts advocacy network.

Reference and link:

Mathie, K (2006), Arts Advocacy Arguments: Navigating the Network [online], Available at: core.ac.uk/download/pdf/92855861.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Towards Cultural Democracy: Promoting cultural capabilities for everyone

This report presents an exciting vision for an alternative way of thinking about, and building, a vibrant shared culture that is meaningful and valuable for everyone. Building on a 15-month research project it makes the case for cultural democracy, specifically in terms of promoting everyone’s cultural capability – the substantive freedom to co-create versions of culture.

Reference and link:

Wilson, N., Gross, J., Bull, A. 2017. Towards Cultural Democracy: Promoting Cultural Capabilities for Everyone [Online] Available at: www.kcl.ac.uk/cultural/resources/reports/towards-cultural-democracy-2017-kcl.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Cultural Democracy in Practice

This is an Arts Council England commission with 64 Million Artists. The guide supports those who are interested in finding out more about Cultural Democracy and exploring how they might put it into practice.

Reference and link:

64 Million Artists and Arts Council England, 2018. Cultural Democracy in Practice [online] Available at: www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/CulturalDemocracyInPractice.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Rethinking Relationships

This report consolidates case studies, workshops and surveys of the creative sector in order to analyse the barriers and opportunities arts organisations face in playing a civic role.

Reference and link:

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch, 2016 Rethinking Relationships Inquiry into the Civic Role Arts Organisations: Phase One [online] content.gulbenkian.pt/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/10/01175116/Civic-Role-of-Arts-Phase-1-REPORT-lr-.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

What Happens Next

This is a summary that outlines the feedback we received on our findings and sets out our priorities and next steps. In Phase 2, the Foundation plans to fund strategically, galvanising networks and groups that will embed ‘the civic’ into arts organisations, arts funding and arts policy.

Reference and link:

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK Branch, 2019. What Happens Next? Inquiry into the Civic Role of Arts Organisations: Phase Two [online] Available at: civicroleartsinquiry.gulbenkian.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/What-Happens-Next_Inquiry-Phase-2-plan.pdf [Last Accessed 22 May 2020]

Arts in Schools: A Bacc for the Future, Cultural Learning Alliance and What Next?

Arts in Schools is an advocacy toolkit designed to inform, help and inspire advocates to take action against the downward trend of the arts in schools.

Published in partnership between Bacc for the Future, The Cultural Learning Alliance and What Next? Arts in Schools is a useful toolkit for arts activists and teachers to refer to and use when advocating and championing arts education. The pack includes vital information and advice to help make the case to keep arts in schools, including how to write letters to local MPs and Councillors, the National Schools Commissioner and members of the Education Select Committee.

Reference and link:

Bacc for the Future, Cultural Learning Alliance & What Next? 2017. Arts in Schools [online]. Available at: www.baccforthefuture.com/campaign-resources.html [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Wider readings & case studies about Cultural Democracy from 64 Million Artists

Case Studies
Sites
Resources

'Audience' is a broadly used term in the UK's creative industries, which encompasses attendees, visitors, readers, listeners, viewers, participants and learners.

Audience Development, therefore, is activity that is undertaken by cultural practitioners, venues and organisations to meet the needs of existing (and potential future) audiences, and to help them consider, develop and grow sustainable relationships with audiences.

The following collection of resources will support you to reflect on the need of audience development, including consolidating evidence for the betterment of audience development planning.

Creating an Effective Audience Development Plan

This resource by the Audience Agency provides a suggested route through the important considerations for audience development planning. The guide is presented a linear way, but, in reality, developing a useful strategy is likely to be a dynamic and messy process, involving much to-ing and fro-ing, experimentation and adjustment. They urge readers to devise an engaging and flexible planning process in which your whole organisation can be meaningfully involved.

Reference and Link:

The Audience Agency, 2020 Creating an Effective Audience Development Plan [online], Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/2157/download?1585230280 [last accessed 6 June 2020]

Where do Live Literature Audiences Come From?

This report from the Audience Agency provides a useful snapshot of the audience demographics relating to live literature events.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, 2019, Where do Live Literature Audiences Come From? [online] available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/2035/download?1574940239 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Audiences to Live Literature Events

A report that draws together what The Audience Agency knows of Live Literature Events from the many hundreds of organisations that contribute booking and survey data to Audience Finder.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, 2020, Audiences to Live Literature Events [online] available at www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/2106/download?1580488653 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Evidencing Libraries Audience Reach Research Findings and Analysis

A report commissioned by Arts Council England for The Audience Agency to understand the extraordinary reach of public libraries and especially how audience research and data are accessed and used by library practitioners.

Reference and link:

Cudworth, K., Fortnum, J., 2017, Evidencing Libraries Audience Reach Research Findings and Analysis [online] Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1998 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Audiences for Visual Arts

This a report that considers the demographics and thematic characteristics of audiences who engage in visual arts. It includes insights relating to feedback of audiences and specific challenges that face visual arts in terms of audience participation and development.

Reference and link:

The Audiences Agency, 2019, Audiences for Visual Arts [online] available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1867/download?1582724087 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Engagement Snapshot: Older Audiences

One in five people in England is over the age of 65, and the figure is growing. This is a large and diverse cohort spanning from recent retirees to great-grandparents. Delving into the data about older audiences can help the arts sector think practically about the role we can play in building a fulfilling creative culture for older audiences.

This overview by the Audience Agency provides a useful evidence-led insight into older audiences for programmers and applied practitioners focusing on practice with older demographics.

Reference and link:

The Audience Agency, 2018, [online] Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1682/download?1539181105 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

'Place-making' and 'creative place-making' are terms gaining currency in the creative industries in the UK and internationally. Creative place-making is a process where communities, artists, arts and culture organisations, and other stakeholders use arts and cultural strategies to implement community-led change. It is typically seen in line with wider regeneration concepts, ensuring that civic projects and capital redevelopments are mindful and respectful to its local place and people.

The following articles, reports and commissions further unpack place-making and creative-making concepts and, if appropriate, will support you to embed such concepts into your creative practice.

The Value of Arts and Culture in Place-shaping

Arts Council England commissioned Wavehill Ltd. to deliver a research project to aid their understanding and help them to articulate if and how the arts and cultural offer within a place can attract and retain individuals and businesses and help to shape its identity. In broad terms this research seeks to generate further evidence to support the notion that arts and culture has the ability to promote and drive positive economic and social outcomes at a local level and thus contribute effectively to a place-shaping approach. This report presents themes from primary data collection to inform Arts Council England’s thinking in this area.

Reference and link:

Wavehill ltd, 2019, The Value of Arts and Culture in Place-shaping [online] available at: www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Value%20of%20Arts%20and%20Culture%20in%20Place-Shaping.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Immersive Tools for Democratic Placemaking

Reflects on the 'Futurescapes' project, which explores how immersive media can empower and include communities in the design and future of their public spaces.

Reference and link:

Woodley, S., 2020, Immersive Tools for Democratic Placemaking [online] available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/resources/case-in-point-immersive-tools-for-democratic-placemaking [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

People, Culture, Place: The Role of Culture in Placemaking

Reflects on best practice and better understanding roles in championing, and delivering the placemaking agenda.

Reference and link:

Local Government Association, 2017,People, Culture, Place: The Role of Culture in Placemaking [online] Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/people-culture-place-role-culture-placemaking [Last accessed 17 January 2024]

Creative Communities and Arts-Based Placemaking

This article provides an overview of arts-based placemaking, with the inclusion of a range of case studies that reflect on the positive change incurred when communities engage in creative placemaking projects. (N.B this article reflects on perspectives and case studes from the USA)

Reference and link:

Project for Public Spaces, 2015, Creative Communities and Arts-Based Placemaking [online] Available at: www.pps.org/article/creative-communities-and-arts-based-placemaking [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Futurecity: Cultural Placemaking Strategy

Futurecity creates and delivers Cultural Placemaking Strategies worldwide. Their website provides an overview of their current and previous projects and provides perspectives from around the world.

Reference and link:

Futurecity, nd, Cultural placemaking strategy [online] Available at: futurecity.co.uk/cultural-placemaking-strategy [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Over recent years the creative sector has continued to financially grow in the UK, and internationally, to be a key economic contributor globally. Therefore, the concept of a 'creative economy' has been increasingly used. This concept can be summarised as the income-earning potential of the creative sector, and the following resources will support you to consider the economic values of the creative industries, using evidence to situate your practice into wider discourse.

Articulating Co-Creation for Economic and Cultural Value

A report that reflects on the work of Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy, which were established 2012-2016 by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The findings have been gathered from the narratives and analysis of the four Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy, Creative Exchange (CE), Creativeworks London (CWL), Design in Action (DiA) and REACT.

Reference and link:

Follett, G., and Rogers., J, 2015, Articulating Co-Creation for economic and cultural value[online] available at: https://discovery.dundee.ac.uk/en/publications/articulating-co-creation-for-economic-and-cultural-value [Last accessed 17 January 2024]

The Industrial Strategy: Creative Industries Sector Deal

Overview of the Sector Deal with references to the value and impact the Creative Industries have in the UK.

Reference and link:

HM Government, 2018, The Industrial Strategy: Creative Industries Sector Deal [online] available at: www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/media/462717/creative-industries-sector-deal-print.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Britain's Creative Industries Break the £100 Billion Barrier

A press release by the UK Government demonstrates the economic impact the arts and cultural sector has on the UK economy.

Reference and link:

UK Gov, 2018, Britain's Creative Industries Break the £100 Billion Barrier [online] available at: www.gov.uk/government/news/britains-creative-industries-break-the-100-billion-barrier [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Creative Industries Federation Infographic

An overview of statistics from the creative industries in line with their value to the UK economy.

Reference and link:

Creative Industries Federation, nd, CIF Infographic [online] available at: www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/statistics [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

The Creative Industries Council

This provides a range of infographics that demonstrate the impact of the creative industries on the UK economy.

Reference and link:

Creative Industries Council, nd, infographic [online] available at: www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/resources/infographics [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Collaboration, in its simplest form, means working with others. That collaboration can include informal and formal partnerships. It is broadly understood that very little art is made without some form of collaboration. However, in recent years, the role of 'cross sector' collaboration has grown in importance.

Effective cross-sector collaboration encompasses collaborations where the public, private and social sectors collaborate in different ways (e.g. financially, operationally, etc.), working towards common societal objectives and outcomes.

Examples of cross-sector collaboration for the Arts and Culture Projects team (based within a university, and therefore the public education sector) is their relationship with a local authority (also public sector, but local government), or its relationship with private sector civil engineer Volker Fitzpatrick as part of the Revoluton consortium

These resources will support you to consider the role and impact of cross-sector partnerships, with a focus on benefits for the creative industries.

Research collaborations Brazil: UK and Brazilian research in the arts and humanities

This booklet draws together projects which showcase the achievements and contributions of UK-Brazil collaborative working across a variety of sectors, topics and disciplines within the arts and humanities. Areas of common interest that have emerged include how to harness creativity for social and economic growth, and new ways for marginalised groups and individuals to make their voices heard confidently. Similarly, a desire to understand the environments around us, whether ‘natural’ or built, and the use and production of space has resonated strongly within our two research communities.

Reference and link:

AHRC, 2019 Research collaborations Brazil: UK and Brazilian research in the arts and humanities[online] Available at: ahrc.ukri.org/documents/publications/brazil-publication [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Voices of Culture: Structured Dialogue Between the European Commission and the Cultural Sector

This commission summarises a structured dialogue that was conducted between the cultural sector and the European Commission. The primary theme was "Social Inclusion: Partnering with other sectors".

Reference and link:

Voices of Culture, 2018, Voices of Culture: Structured Dialogue Between the European Commission and the Cultural Sector [online]. Available at: www.voicesofculture.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/FINAL-Brainstorming-report-SD7-Social-inclusion.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

The Partnership Culture Navigator: Organisational cultures and cross-sector partnership

This booklet is the second in The Partnering Initiative’s Navigator series. It has been designed as a practical guide to help users navigate the challenges of dealing with different organisational cultures when working in cross-sector partnerships. Differences in organisational and professional cultures are a common source of misunderstanding in international collaboration: they can reduce the efficiency and the impact of cross-sector partnerships and can generate risk. The Navigator outlines a number of key issues for consideration and proposes some achievable actions that can be taken both to make it easier to deal with different cultures and to make your own organisational culture more partnership-friendly.

Reference and link:

Reid, S., 2016, The Partnership Culture Navigator: Organisational cultures and cross-sector partnership[online] Available at: www.thepartneringinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PC-Navigator-v1.0.3.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Partnership Matters: Current Issues in Cross-Sector Collaboration

This article shares thinking and practice in cross-sector partnerships through the work of those involved in the Post- graduate Certificate in Cross- sector Partnership (PCCP), which is developed and managed as a collaboration between the International Business Leaders Forum and the University of Cambridge Programme for Industry.

Reference and link:

Stott, L., 2005, Partnership Matters: Current Issues in Cross-Sector Collaboration. Issue 3 [online] Available at: thepartneringinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/PartnershipMatters3.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Local Cross-Sector Partnerships: Tackling the Challenges Collaboratively

This article focuses on the challenges faced by local governmental (municipal) and third sector (nonprofit) organisations which seek to work collaboratively or ‘in partnership’. The paper builds on the findings of an action research project to draw out the practical implications of cross-sector working for the organisations involved.

Reference and link:

Cairns, B., and Harris, M., 2010, Local Cross-Sector Partnerships: Tackling the Challenges Collaboratively [online] Available at: publications.aston.ac.uk/id/eprint/25395/1/Local_cross_sector_partnerships_tackling_the_challenges_collaboratively.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

A growing body of research argues that a combinations of skills – technological, artistic, organisational and management - are becoming critical for creative work. With the impact of COVID-19 on the creative industries, it is broadly assumed this digital creativity/digital skills will become an increasingly referenced area for better understanding and sills growth.

As a University with an academic faculty that unifies creative arts, technologies and sciences (CATS), we are aware of the exciting opportunities that exist when these subjects are combined.

The following resources reflect on these skills, of which are often referred to as ‘createch’ skills. They consider which roles require them, and how important will they become in the future.

The Creative Digital Skills Revolution

This paper looks at 35 million jobs adverts from the seven years in the UK (2011-2018 inclusive) to consider the following questions:

  • What are these so-called ‘createch’ skills?
  • Which roles require them?
  • How do we know they will become more important in the future?

The data was sourced from Burning Glass Technologies, the leading producer of online job advert data in published academic research.

Reference and link:

Bakhshi, H., Djumalieva, J., Easton, E (2019) The Creative Digital Skills Revoluton [online] Available at: www.pec.ac.uk/assets/publications/The-Creative-Digital-Skills-Revolution-the-PEC-and-Nesta-24-Oct-2019.pdf [Last accessed 3 June 2020]

The Digital Culture Compass

A free online toolkit to support arts, culture and heritage organisations to integrate digital technology into their work.

Reference and link:

Digital Culture Compass, nd, HomePage [online] Available at: digitalculturecompass.org.uk [last accessed 22 May 2020]

Creative People and Places Digital Engagement & Opportunities: Research Insights and Recommendations

The insights in this report are based on primary research with all CPPs plus some of their beneficiaries and collaborators. It also draws on useful examples of best practice in relation to digital engagement and development from the cultural sector outside CPPs and the wider third sector.

Reference and link:

The Audiences Agency and Golant Media Ventures, 2019, Creative People and Places Digital Engagement & Opportunities: Research Insights and Recommendations [online] Available at: www.theaudienceagency.org/asset/1942/download?1568899439 [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Culture is Digital

A report that derives from The Digital Culture Project. This project has been about bringing success stories together. Born out of the Culture White Paper, the Digital Culture Project and the #CultureisDigital online consultation was launched in April 2017. Its aim has been to explore how culture and technology can work together to drive audience engagement, boost the capability of cultural organisations and unleash the creative potential of technology.

Reference and link:

Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, 2018, Culture is Digital [online] Available at: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/687519/TT_v4.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Arts Digital R&D Podcast series

Commissioned by Arts Council England, was a series of six monthly audio podcast magazine programmes exploring the innovative use of digital technology in the arts and cultural sector. The series is hosted by arts and culture broadcaster and journalist John Wilson. The podcasts feature discussion and debate from expert studio guests and pioneering case study examples of digital projects from the arts and cultural sectors.

Reference and link:

Arts Council England, 2013. [podcast] Available at: soundcloud.com/artscouncilengland/sets/arts-digital-r-d-podcast [Accessed 22 May 2020].

The UK Digital and Creative Sector: Talent Insights Report

This talent insights report will focus on the UK’s digital and creative sector primarily from a marketing and advertising perspective.

Reference and link:

Guidant Group and Gemini People, 2017, The UK Digital and Creative Sector: Talent Insights Report [online] Available at: dma.org.uk/uploads/ckeditor/UK_Digital_and_Creative_Sector_Report.pdf [Accessed 22 May 2020].

Sector Skills Insights: Digital and Creative

Commissioned by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, is a report that examines the digital and creative sector in the UK. This includes the challenges it faces over the medium term and how they can be addressed through skill development and thereby bring about growth and contribute to the recovery of the UK economy.

Reference and link:

Williams, M., and Hillage, J., 2012, Sector Skills Insights: Digital and Creative [online] Available at: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/304485/Sector_Skills_Insights_Digital_and_Creative_evidence_report_49.pdf [Accessed 22 May 2020].

The Charity Digital Skills Report

A definitive survey of the digital skills landscape across the third sector. Now in its third year, the report provides an annual barometer of the state of digital skills within the charity sector.

Reference and link:

Amar, Z., and The Skills Platform, 2018, Charity Digital Skills Report 2019 [online] available at: www.skillsplatform.org/charity_digital_skills_report_2019.pdf [Accessed 22 May 2020].

Is Digital Creativity Becoming the Domain of the Privileged?

This Article on NESTA that considers how, despite the increasing importance of digital creativity – the ability to combine digital and creative skills – new research finds that pupils at private schools are more likely to have opportunities to develop these important skills than pupils at state schools.

Reference and link:

Bibby, W., 2020 Is Digital Creativity Becoming the Domain of the Privileged? [online] Available at: www.nesta.org.uk/blog/digital-creativity-becoming-domain-privileged/ [Accessed 22 May 2020].

Partnerships for Skills: Learning from Digital Frontrunner countries

As digitalisation, artificial intelligence and automation spread across the world, digital skills are increasingly in demand. However, in many countries they are in short supply. This report looks at how to build effective cross-sector partnerships to tackle digital skills gaps.

Reference and link:

Whiteley, G., and Casasbuenas, J., 2020, Partnerships for Skills:Learning from Digital Frontrunner countries [online] Available at: media.nesta.org.uk/documents/Partnerships-for-Skills-Learning-from-Digital-Frontrunners-Countries-Report-2020.pdf. [Accessed 22 May 2020].

From Digital Natives to Digital Creatives: Fostering creative digital skills in young people

An article published on NESTA that reflects on how the importance of digital creativity in education is being increasingly recognised. The paper considers this view in line with The Durham Commission and other current creative education reports/agendas.

Reference and link:

Bibbly, W., and Sutherland, E., 2020 From Digital Natives to Digital Creatives: Fostering creative digital skills in young people [online] Available at: www.nesta.org.uk/blog/digital-natives-digital-creatives/ [Accessed 22 May 2020].

Digital Creative Sectors in Coventry: Trends and Potentials

This report provides a first step in identifying current growth trends in the digital creative sector in Coventry in comparison with some other Midlands cities. It draws on documentary evidence and interviews with key informants to provide a rich picture of the challenges for digital creative businesses in the City, and for those seeking to promote future growth.

Reference and link:

Roper, S., Gkypali, A., Sanderson, J., Morley, L., 2017, Digital Creative Sectors in Coventry: Trends and Potentials [online] Digital-Creative-Sectors-in-Coventry-report_web-single-pages.pdf [Accessed 17 January 2024].

Understanding the value of creativity and culture is an area that includes more than solely economics. The value of the arts can include social, psychological benefits.... not to mention the value of 'art for arts sake' so that audiences and makers alike can enjoy creativity as a form of entertainment and sense-making.

These resources consider the value of the arts and will support you in arguing the need of the creative arts, whether that be in a funding application, an academic paper... or as part of healthy debate!

Understanding the value of arts & culture The AHRC Cultural Value Project

This report presents the findings of the Cultural Value Project, one of the most in-depth attempts yet made to understand the value of the arts and culture – the difference that they make to individuals and to society. The three-year project, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, has been looking into the question of why the arts and culture matter, and how we capture the effects that they have.

Reference and link:

Crossick, G., and Kaszynska, P., 2018, Understanding the value of arts & culture The AHRC Cultural Value Project [online]. Available at: ahrc.ukri.org/documents/publications/cultural-value-project-final-report/ [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

The Industrial Strategy: Creative Industries Sector Deal

Overview of the Sector Deal with references to the value and impact the Creative Industries have in the UK.

Reference and link:

HM Government, 2018, The Industrial Strategy: Creative Industries Sector Deal [online] available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/creative-industries-sector-deal-launched [Last accessed 17 January 2024].

Articulating Co-Creation for economic and cultural value

A report that reflects on the work of Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy, which were established 2012-2016 by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The findings have been gathered from the narratives and analysis of the four Knowledge Exchange Hubs for the Creative Economy, Creative Exchange (CE), Creativeworks London (CWL), Design in Action (DiA) and REACT.

Reference and link:

Follett, G., and Rogers., J, 2015, Articulating Co-Creation for economic and cultural value [online] available at:
ahrc.ukri.org/documents/publications/co-creation-report-2015/ [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

Contribution of the arts and culture industry to the UK economy: Report for Arts Council England

This is a summary of Cebr’s report for Arts Council England on the economic contribution of the arts and culture industry to the UK economy. This is the fourth iteration of a study first undertaken in 2013, with subsequent updates in 2015 and 2017.

Reference and link:

CEBR, 2019, Contribution of the arts and culture industry to the UK economy: Report for Arts Council England [online]. Available at: www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Economic%20impact%20of%20arts%20and%20culture%20on%20the%20national%20economy%20FINAL_0_0.PDF [Last accessed 22 May 2020]

The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society: an evidence review

This review assess the strength of the evidence base between 2010–13 about the economic, social, health and wellbeing, education, lifelong learning and environmental impacts and outcomes of arts and culture in England.

Reference and link:

Mowlah, A., Niblett, V., Blackburn, J., Harris, M., 2014, The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society: an evidence review [online] available at:

www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Value_arts_culture_evidence_review.pdf [Last accessed 22 May 2020]