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Understanding the difference culture makes

We are building a shared understanding of the differences that arts, culture, heritage and screen make to people’s lives and to society. We want cultural policy and practice to be based on rigorous research and evaluation of what works and what needs to change.

About us
Arts Together at Left Bank Leeds – Mafwa Theatre. Photo: Tom Arber
A group of young performers, wearing brightly coloured outfits and fancy hats. They each have a drum and drumsticks.
Barnsley Bright Nights 2025. Northern Lights Celestial Carnival. Photo by James Mulkeen.
Our work

Cultural Vitality

Discover more about our current work exploring the pivotal role culture plays shaping place identity, fostering social cohesion and improving wellbeing.

More about Cultural Vitality

A person with a look of wonder is surrounded by bright twinkling lights.
Barnsley Bright Nights. The Dancing Fountain by Alexis Richter. Photo by James Mulkeen.

New report: Transforming the Cultural and Heritage Sector’s Data Infrastructure

News
New collaborative research sets out a blueprint for a National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO) to transform how the UK understands the impact of arts, culture and heritage.
A person in a yellow high vis vest is showing a small group of children a dance. The children are crouched down copying the dancer. Parents sit on blocks watching their children take part.
Mafwa Theatre. Flourish. Photo by Tribe Four Films.

Cultural Vitality Labs: Placing participatory research and co-production at the heart of cultural evidence

News
The Centre for Cultural Value launches Cultural Vitality Labs, a new participatory research programme working with three partners to explore how cultural vitality can be understood, evidenced and used in local decision-making.
Three performers stood on stools and a chest holding hands with their arms in the air. They are performing a children's show in a library. Children are sat on the floor watching the performance.
MishMash Productions: Smile. Photo by Pamela Wraith Photography.

Building the next chapter

News
We look ahead to what comes next for the Centre for Cultural Value, after securing ‘the rare gift of stability’- thanks to confirmed multi-year funding.
Six women stood together wearing colourful saris and holding parasols. They are each wearing a colourful, glowing wristband.
 

Research Digest: Understanding Cultural Vitality

research
This digest draws together research and practice on how to support the cultural vitality of places. Cultural vitality can be evaluated by locally specific indicators collected by local government, organisations and informal and community-led groups. These go beyond official statistics and visitor data to include qualitative and dynamic evidence of ...
A group of children, smiling and laughing stand next to a person with long dark hair, wearing sunglasses singing into a microphone. They are outside, behind them is a green gazebo with a sign that reads DJ Booth
Mafwa Theatre. Family Flourish Day. Photo by Molly McGee

Our essential reads: Evaluation Principles in practice

essential-read
A collection of articles, reports and resources providing some helpful examples of what the Evaluation Principles can look like in practice ...
A photo of 'Hibiscus Rising', an outdoor sculpture made by Yinka Shonibare, photographed in front of redbrick buildings in Leeds city centre. The sculpture is tall and plant-like, with a selection of different colourful patterns in red, yellow, blue, purple and green.
Hibiscus Rising Statue – Leeds (Photo: West Yorkshire Combined Authority)

Making evaluation count in cultural policy

research
As Lead Evaluation Officer for Culture at West Yorkshire Combined Authority, my role is concerned with how evaluation and cultural policymaking processes meet. This is an exciting space to work in, as it's where insight and learning connect directly with decision-making. Evaluation for accountability, evidence and learning For the Combined ...

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