UNESCO Report on Culture for Sustainable Cities

Drawing on a global survey and more than 100 case studies, UNESCO has published new evidence showing the power of culture as a strategic asset for creating cities that are more inclusive, creative and sustainable. 

New arts & culture stats from US and Europe

A benchmarking study from the US is out, showing that digital investment in the arts continues to expand. Elsewhere, Eurostat culture metrics continue to link arts participation with education levels and internet access.

First Nations works are 2% of those programmed

92% of Australians agree that Indigenous arts are an important part of Australia's culture, but only 25% of us actually engage with it. Recent OzCo research shines a light on presentation of work through national mapping.

Commercial income of arts organisations up 25%

ACE Chair Sir Peter Bazalgette spoke about financial trends among its 600 portfolio organisations - notably that commercial income has grown significantly. The ACE update on the Arts Impact Fund is also worth a read.  

Can we reinvent our online cultural offer?

Videos and presentations from Culture24’s 'Let’s Get Real' conference are now online, and are worth a browse. Some of the UK's cleverest thinkers shared ideas about organisational relevance, value and capacity for change. 

Internet of things, robots and social control

If you have 20 mins to spare over lunch today, read this amusing-yet-disturing speech given by Maciej Cegłowski at the DIrection 16 conference in Sydney recently, and wonder who WILL control the robot armies?

Idea generation tools for creative professionals

Like a shortcut for the weary advertiser, the 'Deck of Brilliance' contains like tools like 'Conduct an experiment', 'Turn it into a game' & 'Champion the underdog' - so you'll never be short on tactics again. Scarily good.

Is evaluation practice accessible to everyone?

Probably not, as I found out last year. But improving access doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Morwenna Collett & I assembled a list of access tips and resources for doing research with people with disability.

How to be a better listener

Listening - truly listening - is one of the most underrated (and the most powerful) skills we can learn. Josh Stearns has compiled a list of more than 30 tools, guides and examples to help you be a better listener. 

Patternmakers: Evidence for Creativity

Patternmakers is well & truly here, and we're on a mission to get you the juicy insight you deserve. In 2017 we will be offering a bunch of new events & resources - and continuing to grow our consultancy - so watch this space!

Audience trends & research briefings now available

I recently briefed the NIDA Masters of Cultural Leadership on audience trends & the latest stats, to kick start debate about the future of the arts. If you need an evidence boost at your next planning day or board meeting, get in touch.