Cultural Observatory « West Midlands Regional Observatory

Who are we?

The Cultural Observatory is a resource for all those with an interest in the West Midlands cultural sector.

We provide intelligence and evidence relating to the social and economic role played by culture in the West Midlands region.

We're a joint initiative between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Agencies in the West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands, and are located at the West Midlands Regional Observatory.

The Cultural Observatory's work is steered by the Cultural Research & Intelligence Group.

Our wider virtual network, the Cultural Research & Intelligence Network, is a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest cultural research. Register with us to receive our newsletter and updates. You're welcome to join our Ning group too.

Lauren Amery is the sole researcher working under the ‘Cultural Observatory’ banner.

Projects

During 2010, our key strands of work include:

Supply of timely evidence for the cultural elements of the Regional Strategy
Monitoring the impact of the recession on local cultural organisations
Evaluation and monitoring of the West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012

Key cultural research publications

West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012: An evaluation of impact (2008 - 2010)

Published 13th April 2010

In the first of a series of reports, this initial evaluation draws together evidence from the first two years of the region's West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012, assessing the social and economic impact of projects to date.

West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012: An evaluation of impact (2008 - 2010) (pdf, 1.53mb)

The impact of the recession on the West Midlands' cultural sector

October 2008 - December 2009

Quarterly bulletins presenting information on how the economic downturn affects the West Midlands' cultural sector. Bulletins draw on a range of evidence, including a direct survey with local cultural venues.

West Midlands cultural sector economic snapshot (Oct-Dec 2009) (pdf, 311kb)
More about this project »

Culture & prosperity: the economic role of culture in the West Midlands

Published 11th March 2009 by Culture West Midlands

Drawing on a wide range of sources, this paper presents economic intelligence associated with the West Midlands cultural sector, including information about levels of employment and the levels of gross value added (GVA) generated by cultural firms.

Culture & Prosperity: full report (pdf, 1.2mb)
Culture & Prosperity: summary report (pdf, 1.1mb)

Culture, people & place: the social & environmental role of culture in the West Midlands

Published 11th March 2009 by Culture West Midlands

For the first time, this paper brings together evidence relating to the social and environmental impact and role of culture in the West Midlands. This includes an exploration of research into the West Midlands ‘cultural offer’ and the latest regional participation data from the Taking Part and Active People surveys.

Culture, People & Place: full report (pdf, 1.6mb)
Culture, People & Place: summary report (pdf, 1.24mb)

An analysis of cultural trends and usage in the West Midlands

Published 30th October 2008 by Culture West Midlands

This report explores data gathered through the West Midlands Regional Lifestyle Survey through new statistical models gauging the factors which influence ways of thinking about culture, and the frequency of usage of cultural facilities and amenities. The research demonstrates how a variety of social and demographic factors can be used to predict the frequency at which residents of the West Midlands may or may not use cultural services.

An analysis of cultural trends and usage in the West Midlands (doc, 84kb)