Talking Evidence and Audiences | May 2025

Anne Torreggiani takes a deep dive into the power of peer learning to tackle wicked problems and navigate uncertain times in this feature article for Arts Professional.

How far do audiences travel and how does that vary for different audience types and different artforms? Our recent TEA Break session helps you to better understand your audience landscape.

Following six months of research, consultation and collaboration, Patrick Towell and Ben Walmsley share their latest thinking about what a blueprint for a UK National Cultural Data Observatory will do...and why.

• A Creative PEC State of the Nations report was recently released, providing analysis of arts, culture and heritage audiences and workforce.
• And Arts Council England have published a five year trends analysis of the Annual Museums Survey with lots of interesting insights and a focus on digital trends.
• The Lyme Museum also shared new accessibility guidelines that focus on "rethinking materiality in museums, exploring art-based creative methods, creating inclusive physical and virtual spaces, and ensuring that lived experiences are amplified and celebrated."
• This week is Creativity and Wellbeing week - shining a light on creative engagement’s role in improving the nation’s health, from reducing loneliness to improving dementia care and supporting recovery from trauma or illness. If you haven't already, check out how you can get involved this weekend.
• Residents and campaigners tried to shut down a festival in London with complaints linked to planning permission, nature recovery and impact on local residents. Subsequently, an announcement made late on Thursday has approved the event again. Next steps could trigger changes for promoters and festivals - as we think about cultural strategy for better places, the question is: how can these events be delivered in ways that bring positive social and economic impact?

Our regular short TEA Break events are a great way to catch up on our latest audience research and sector knowledge, and discuss your own experiences.

If you missed this week's TEA Break - Who People Attend With - you can catch up via the recording here.