Cultural Observatory « West Midlands Regional Observatory

Who are we?

We provide intelligence and evidence relating to the social and economic role played by culture in the West Midlands. We're a joint initiative between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) agencies in the West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands, and are located at the West Midlands Regional Observatory. Our work is steered by the Cultural Research & Intelligence Group.

Our 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. Why not join our Twitter list too? (Just tweet @thewmro to get added to the list).

Projects

Our work in 2010/11 includes:

Evaluation and monitoring of the West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012.
Development of an economic impact toolkit for cultural events and activities.
Research support to the DCMS agencies in the West Midlands.

Previous publications include:

West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012: an evaluation of impact (2008–2010)

Published 13 April 2010

In this initial evaluation report, we analysed the social and economic impact of the West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012 between 2008-2010. Survey evidence suggests the programme attracted a diverse audience: over a quarter of programme participants have been from BME backgrounds, and over half have been from lower socio-economic groups categories (C2DE).

Read the report: 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

Our research into how the economic downturn affected the West Midlands' cultural sector revealed some surprising results. Through our survey with local cultural venues, we found an increase in visitor numbers and sales during summer 2009 (compared to the previous year). This could suggest consumers were not prepared to 'cut back' on culture.

Read the report: West Midlands cultural sector economic snapshot (Oct-Dec 2009) (pdf, 311kb)

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

Published 11 March 2009 by Culture West Midlands

We present economic intelligence related to the West Midlands cultural sector. Long term economic trends suggest the sector is expanding, employing more people and increasing its Gross Value Added (GVA) and turnover output year-on-year.

Read the reports:

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 11 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. We include a qualitative study which suggests people's main drivers for taking part in culture is ‘spending quality time with friends and family’ and ‘enjoying some respite or escapism from work or everyday life’.

Read the reports:

Culture, people & place: full report (pdf, 1.6mb)
Culture, people & place: summary report (pdf, 1.24mb)

Analysis of cultural trends and usage in the West Midlands

Published 30 October 2008 by Culture West Midlands

This report explores data gathered through the West Midlands Regional Lifestyle Survey using new statistical models. Our analysis found residents' ethnicity and social class best predict what they choose to do with their leisure time and how much importance they attach to local cultural facilities.

Read the report: Analysis of cultural trends and usage in the West Midlands (doc, 84kb)