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MANIFESTO

We believe that great art needs great audiences, and that's why our Manifesto outlines our key messages for funders, policy-makers and the sector in England and the evidence behind those views. You can download our Manifesto here.

I believe strongly that there is a responsibility for arts organisations to relate to wider society and contribute to the community.

The Arts Debate, Arts Council England 2007

If you don't know the answers phone a friend

23rd September 2011

Audiences UK was delighted to be approached by a consortia of cultural organisations to co-commission some research into the schools market.  There were a variety of reasons for being so pleased.  Today I’ll focus on two.

My first reason for delight is obviously the importance of the data collected.  Ever since my days of working in the education department of a Local Authority, I have suspected that  around the country most schools offer young people a wide range cultural opportunities, but a significant minority are cultural deserts.  I have never seen any robust research to prove or disprove this. Until now.  The research also gives a wealth of information about what are the actual and perceived barriers in 30% of Primary and 10% of Secondary Schools to engaging with theatre.  And it sets a baseline to review progress in a time of major change for both the arts and education. 

All very important stuff.  But I have a second and possibly even more significant reason for jubilation.

Where did this research came from? It wasn’t commissioned by a Government department.  It was neither funded nor driven by an Arts Council or a trade association.  It didn’t involve money or leadership from any huge arts institutions. 

Instead, the funding and brief for this important research came from eight small and middle scale organisations who wanted good data to inform their business decisions.  They couldn’t afford to commission high quality independent research individually, so they came together to pool their limited resources.  And by working together they also honed and developed a better brief.

Is the sector growing up and beginning to meet the challenges ahead?  The organisations involved in this project certainly should be recognised for their leadership and forward thinking.  Congratulations to:

·         Birmingham Rep

·         Box Clever

·         Polka Theatre

·         Theatre Alibi

·         Theatre Centre

·         Theatre Hullabaloo

·         Unicorn Theatre

·         Web Play

 

I can’t think of a better national example of mature collaboration in good business practice in the arts.  We salute you.

David Brownlee, Chief Executive, Audiences UK

 

Comments

  1. Author
    Anwen Cooper
    Permanent link
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    Date
    23rd September 2011
    Comment
    This is very exciting news! I was interested in commissioning this research when I joined Polka 5 years ago... And I continued to champion the idea during my time at Audiences London. I am delighted to see that the plan has finally come together! And the results prove what I (and many others) had suspected. I hope the collaborative working will continue, and that the results of the research will prompt change within those schools who are currently failing to serve their pupils.

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