Arts centres across the UK and Ireland have long been the quiet champions of creativity and community. Often overshadowed by theatres, galleries, and concert halls and comparatively under resourced these dynamic spaces have nurtured artistic innovation and driven social and economic growth. Their vital role became undeniable during the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing their deep-rooted connection to local communities and their ability to adapt in times of crisis. These democratic spaces have had a transformational impact on how art is made, shared, and experienced, fostering inclusion, resilience, and cultural diversity. They are woven into the fabric of towns, cities, and regions, quietly shaping the future of the arts and strengthening community ties.
There are a series of important stories about how arts centres have become essential to our cultural survival and renewal and have great potential particularly during challenging political, social and economic times that will be explored through a series of events in partnership with Future Arts Centres and led by Creative Manchester Honorary Research Fellow Dave Moutrey. During Dave’s fellowship and with the support of Future Arts Centres he is undertaking an in depth look at how arts centres have developed, their impact on audiences, artists and place and what their future could be.
The first of these events will look at what Arts Council England (ACE) funding data tells us about how they are funded and the impact of that funding. Dave's Research Associate Ray Morrison will present their analysis of this data which will then be discussed by Gavin Barlow, Future Arts Centre, and Dr Jennifer Cleary, Arts Council England, to tease out what we can learn and how this could inform future arts centres.
The event will begin with complimentary lunch and refreshments in the Martin Harris Centre Foyer from 12.30pm, with a prompt 1pm start for the research event.
This event is open to staff, students and the general public. It will be of particular interest to researchers, policymakers and professionals in the wider arts sector interested in creative economies, policies affecting the UK cultural landscape and those with an interest in Arts Council England's National Portfolio Programme and the funding environment of the arts sector.
About Creative Manchester
Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information.
About Future Arts Centres
Future Arts Centres are a network of over 160 arts centres from across the UK and was founded in 2013 by an affiliation of nine leading UK arts centres (The Albany, ARC Stockton, artsdepot, Brewery Arts Centre, Cambridge Junction, Lincoln Drill Hall, mac Birmingham, Rich Mix, Stratford Circus). In 2023, Future Arts Centres became a registered company limited by guarantee, and an Arts Council England ‘IPSO’ to provide sector support for arts centres. They believe that, through offering outstanding artistic experiences for all in our communities, and by operating as robust social enterprises, arts centres present a fantastic model for the cultural venues of tomorrow.
