![An Arts Professional Feature in partnership with the Centre for Cultural Value](/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/administrator/ccv_partnership_banner_final.png)
![People sitting on the grass in the grounds of Pontefract Castle](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/pontefract_castle_-_civil_wars_event_002_-_ccv.jpg?itok=HF4R1PLR)
Arts and culture are integral to shaping the places we live. We now need to understand the effects cultural placemaking practices have on our towns, provinces and rural areas, argues John Wright.
![Performers on a stage looking up at multiple spotlights](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/derry_londonderry_city_of_culture_2013_activity.jpg?itok=T1yHXM4G)
Evaluation reports in the cultural sector can be packed full of learning. Emma McDowell explores how we might unearth this existing knowledge.
![Young people leaping across a lavender bed in Ilam Park](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/pascal_vossen_for_artsheritage.jpg?itok=5S7iZscV)
The sector’s resilience and creativity in navigating crises show how art and culture will sustain even in the toughest of times. Ben Walmsley explores what is now needed to build a more equitable, confident and sustainable future.
![Light installation in Leeds](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/light_night_leeds.jpg?itok=GL7lOzka)
As Anna Kime begins working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, she explores how integrated data and evaluation can aid decision making and ensure the UK’s cultural and creative sectors continue to be world-leading.
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Artist Sarah Hunter, physicist Rox Middleton and philosopher Lucy Tomlinson spotlight what they learnt from spending a year exploring the cultural value of beauty.
![Crafts Council's Equity Advisory Council](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/craft_council_equity_advisory_council_photo_credit_-_elijah_serumaga_.jpg?itok=ism_hySh)
Maher Anjum, Julia Bennett, Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas and Rose Sinclair reflect on how an inclusive steering group helped place equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of their work.
![Flood Part 4 performed by Slung Low An actor stands in front of a tent surrounded by water](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/resized_slung_low_flood_part_4._image_malcolm_johnson.png?itok=DxDWCJ0H)
As the Centre for Cultural Value launches a free online evaluation course, Dawn Cameron explains how evaluation can help organisations understand the real value of what they do, not just what others want to hear.
![My Leeds 2023 Neighbourhood Hosts programme. My Leeds 2023 Neighbourhood Hosts programme. People stood on a balcony waving and smiling.](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/neighbourhood_hosts_2_credit_jma_photography.jpg?itok=3I-vpy1g)
Driven by funder requirements and sector expectations, evaluation can feel top-down. Stephen Welsh argues for a more people-centred approach which is empathetic, inclusive and unassuming.
![Adah Parris on stage addressing an audience](https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/sites/artsprofessional.co.uk/files/styles/220_by_160_sidebar/public/main/articles/adah_parris_speaking_photo_credit_-_dan_taylor_003.jpg?itok=9J1zjxPJ)
As Chair of the Centre for Cultural Value’s advisory group, Adah Parris reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing cultural practitioners and leaders keen to build a positive legacy.
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As Liverpool stages Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine, Jenny Elliott considers the lure, risks and opportunities inherent in large-scale cultural interventions.