The UK’s national network of 12 audience development agencies has re-launched itself as Audiences UK, and has published a ‘manifesto’ highlighting five issues which it believes will “sustain and increase levels of cultural engagement in economically challenging times”. It is calling for funders to invest in audience development, for arts organisations to place audience development at the heart of their plans and for local authorities to maintain funding of the arts. It also urges a greater emphasis on the use of cultural funding, including the National Lottery, “to reach out and engage a broader audience”, and for evidence of the public’s needs and views to be taken into account when allocating arts resources.
Published: 15-03-2010