Research project
COVID-19: Impacts on the cultural industries and implications for policy
- Start date: 1 September 2020
- End date: 30 November 2021
- Funder: AHRC/UKRI
- Primary investigator: Professor Ben Walmsley
- Co-investigators: Dr Maria Barrett, University of Warwick; Dr Danni Child, Manchester Metropolitan University; Dr Bruce Davenport, Newcastle University; Dr Tal Feder, University of Sheffield; Dr Abigail Gilmore, University of Manchester; Dr Jenny Kidd, Cardiff University; Dr Siobhan McAndrew, University of Bristol; Dr Eva Nieto McAvoy, Cardiff University; Dr Dave O’Brien, University of Edinburgh; Dr Ania Ostrowska, Cardiff University; Dr Mark Taylor, University of Sheffield; Dr Harry Weeks, Newcastle University
- Postdoctoral researcher: Dr Ben Dunn, Dr Karen Gray, Dr Rachel Johnson, Dr John Wright
Value
£780,000
Partners and collaborators
The Audience Agency; Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre; Culture Commons
Description
Global social distancing measures led to the closure of cultural spaces, the cancellation of cultural events and a suspension of much community-based practice for cultural practitioners. The pandemic had a devastating impact on the cultural sector, with jobs being lost and live audiences becoming wary of returning. It is predicted that the impact of Covid-19 on the cultural sector will have long-lasting impacts, changing cultural practice and engagement as we know it.
Given the pace of change, limited data availability and variable research methodologies, it was difficult for policymakers, academics and the cultural sector to understand the exact scale of the pandemic’s impacts.
This study addressed these gaps by offering a comprehensive mixed-methods analysis of the short, medium and longer-term impacts of Covid-19 on the cultural industries and audiences. We provided policymakers and cultural organisations with robust, credible and live evidence to inform their response, planning and interventions.
The research highlighted the challenges faced by cultural practitioners, organisations and audiences from different backgrounds, regions and art forms. Our analysis also engaged with a representative range of cultural organisations reflecting different sizes, scales, geographies and sub-sectors.
The programme also included a mapping and longitudinal tracking survey over 15 months to evaluate the public’s evolving attitudes and behaviours to cultural engagement.
Impact
See project website and ResearchFish submissions
Publications and outputs
ttps://www.culturehive.co.uk/cultural-value-resources/
Film: https://www.culturalvalue.org.uk/the-team/covid-19-research-project/#news