Research
We review and summarise existing research to make it more easily accessible so its insights can be understood and applied more widely. Our approach is objective and we are clear about what evidence there is and where there are gaps.
Castleford Roman Festival, Wakefield Council. Photo: Sarah Zagni
Our research themes
As a research centre, our primary role is to review and synthesise existing research to make its findings more accessible via a series of research digests. This means a wider audience, including those working in the cultural sector and policymakers, can easily access relevant insights from a range of academic studies.
Our research reviews are focused around the following core themes:
- The role of arts, culture, heritage and screen in the context of COVID-19
- Culture, health and wellbeing
- Cultural participation
- Community, place and identity
In 2020 and 2021 our research is focusing on two themes: culture, health and wellbeing, and the impact of Covid-19.
Engaging with our research reviews
We want insights from our research reviews to be useful and relevant to people working in the cultural sector and to those who fund cultural activity and develop cultural policy.
The development of many of the research digests will include opportunities to join a conversation – through workshops, webinars and podcasts – about research and practice in that area.
Collaborate fund
We are investing £200,000 in our Collaborate Fund to support pioneering research collaborations between cultural sector practitioners and academic researchers to explore questions of cultural value.
We will support 15-20 research partnerships over the next four years with grants of between £5k-£20k. The fund will be launched in September 2021.