ICC to investigate the civic role of arts organisations
Added on Monday, May 23rd, 2016
The ICC is to conduct research that will consider the civic role of arts organisations as part of a new programme of work funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
With support from the ICC and project partners What Next? and the RSA, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Inquiry Into the Civic Role of Arts Organisations will aim to increase awareness of the civic role that arts organisations play nationally and in their communities — using research and consultation to develop understanding of ‘next practice’ and create a movement of organisations committed to demonstrating it.
As part of the first phase of the inquiry, which will help to define and survey the civic role of arts organisations, the ICC will take the lead in undertaking a number of research activities designed to support the inquiry. These activities will include a systematic review of both academic and practitioner literatures; 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; and two in-depth examinations of leading case studies.
The knowledge base established in this first phase will go on to inform the recommendations developed as part of Phase 2 of the inquiry, as well as the implementation plan devised for Phase 3 which will aim to ensure that the work of the inquiry makes a lasting difference.
Speaking to the LJMU press office on the launch of the inquiry, Professor Simeon Yates, Director of the ICC, said: “The Institute of Cultural Capital is excited and honoured to be the research partner for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s 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 Capital 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.”
