Digital technology isn’t improving audience outreach

20 Feb 2020

New research says that “when it comes to reaching more diverse and younger audiences … digital may be having less of an impact now than when the study began in 2013”.

A tale of two regions? Engaging arts audiences in the West Midlands

A photo of band performing on a brightly lit stage
13 Feb 2020

Striking differences between urban and rural areas make a strong case for a dual regional policy, argue Anne Torreggiani and Zoe Papiernik-Bloor.

Please don’t turn our libraries into trendy arts hubs

A photo of three men playing in a band
30 Jan 2020

ACE is right to focus on libraries in its new strategy, says Hassan Vawda – but it must put communities at the heart of its plans to revive them.

Who's afraid of contemporary art?

'Snow White: Reimagined' performed by Collective31
23 Jan 2020

If we think of contemporary art as only suitable for experienced audiences, we are missing huge opportunities to inspire newcomers, says Naomi Wright.

Why great customer service isn't enough

A photo of a man and a woman laughing in an auditorium
16 Jan 2020

It’s time we all started thinking of ourselves as experience makers. Lasting memories and positive emotions can be created at every point of contact with audiences, writes Lucy Costelloe.

Arts professionals recognised in New Year honours

A photo of Elton John
02 Jan 2020

The former Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet and former Managing Director of Edinburgh International Festival are among those who received awards.

Crisis or opportunity?

13 Dec 2019

Arts and culture will need to prove their worth to other sectors if they are to survive under a Conservative government.

Bonding with the Bard: how Shakespeare brought East Londoners closer together

28 Nov 2019

Can theatres really forge deep and meaningful connections with their local communities across age, class and ethnicity? Douglas Rintoul explains how Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch has done just that.

Row over using the word ‘art’ in Arts Council England draft strategy

A picture of painting materials
19 Nov 2019

London arts leaders were told the word is “divisive” but wanted it included anyway.

What do we really know about audience privilege?

A photo of a ballet performance
18 Nov 2019

Research suggests that people living in ‘more deprived’ areas are less likely to engage with cultural activity. But is that true across the board, or are there different patterns between – and within – different art forms? Mark Taylor digs deep to find out. 

Can you quantify class?

A picture of four people's hands holding mobile devices
14 Nov 2019

Asking questions about someone’s social class may feel uncomfortable, but people are less sensitive than you might think. Maya Sharma and Dan Cowley explain why it’s important to tackle the subject head on – and how to go about it.

Changing the narrative in East Leeds

A photo of the Chapel FM building in a former church
14 Nov 2019

It’s been five years since Heads Together opened Chapel FM in East Leeds. Linda Strudwick looks at what can be achieved from running an arts centre in the middle of a disadvantaged community.

How to influence inclusivity 

31 Oct 2019

By defining what inclusivity means for you and empowering all staff to make suggestions or raise concerns, you can identify where your work and your organisation are falling short, says Amy Firth.

York is UK’s most culturally vibrant city, finds EU research

A photo of a York Minster cathedral at night
25 Oct 2019

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh were ranked higher than London on a cultural and creative index compiled by the European Commission.

Everyone welcome – of all faiths and none

A photo of a group of people at Manchester Museum
24 Oct 2019

Staff and museum users from Manchester Museums and Galleries Partnership challenge Tristram Hunt’s definition of what it means to be “consciously civic”.

Working on our terms - not yours

Photo of Jon Adams' artwork
10 Oct 2019

Jon Adams explains how a Portsmouth-based project aims to become a national hub of excellence led by and for neurodivergent artists.

DCMS reports drop in arts engagement

Photo of exhibition
07 Oct 2019

New figures show a continuing trend of disabled adults engaging with the arts – but an ongoing decline in creative pursuits among children.

Cultural districts not fulfilling potential for social impact, report finds

23 Sep 2019

A study concludes there is “considerable potential for enhancement” in how cultural districts across the world make a difference to people’s lives.

British Council urged to clarify its use of UK culture

A photo of a building in Delhi with light projections on the wall
16 Sep 2019

A report says the organisation is confusing the distinct aims of attracting investment and developing broader influence.

Visual arts audiences ‘increasingly dominated by a new generation’

A photo of people in an art gallery
29 Aug 2019

New research finds that visual arts appeal disproportionately to millennials and Generation Z – but warns the sector needs to understand the barriers faced by less culturally experienced visitors.

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