ICC to research civic engagement and impact of arts organisations

The Institute for Cultural Capital (ICC), a collaboration between LJMU and the University of Liverpool, is conducting research to establish the role arts organisations play in their communities and nationally.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which is responsible for the study, has requested the expertise of the ICC to carry out the research for the first phase of the project, which will explore the value and potential role arts organisations have in promoting civic engagement and revitalising communities, helping make towns and cities across the country more creative and vital places to live and work. 

The research work of the Institute of Cultural Capital will cover:

• A systematic review of both academic and practitioner literatures on the civic role of the arts
• A set of structured interviews with thought leaders around the civic role of the arts
• A survey of arts organisations
• A comparative review of case studies and best practice
• Two in-depth examinations of leading case studies

The Foundation is calling on arts and other interested organisations to have an active participation in the inquiry, to help ensure the full potential of arts organisations in promoting civic engagement and revitalising communities is realised. The first step in that process is to visit the inquiry website and join the conversation.

Professor Simeon Yates, Director of the Institute of Cultural Capital, said: “The Institute of Cultural Capital is excited and honoured to be the Research Partner for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation inquiry into the civic role of arts organisations. The ICC has a long track record in examining the social, economic and community impacts of cultural engagements. With many challenges facing UK communities – both economic and social – understanding the role of the arts in civic engagement is of pressing concern. By collecting independent evidence about current ideas and models of civic engagement by the UK arts sector, the ICC will provide the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation a robust basis for the continuation of its project."

Andrew Barnett, Director, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), added: “We are delighted to be working with The Institute of Cultural Capitol on the Inquiry. Their expertise across the arts and social sectors will make a unique contribution, helping the arts sector better understand their civic role and identify excellent practice.”