Art Council England Study: Arts Boost Wellbeing and Attract Residents
A study commissioned by Arts Council England and conducted by Wavehill Ltd in 2017 surveyed residents across six UK cities—Birmingham, Halifax, Hastings, Redruth, Southampton, and Stoke-on-Trent—to explore how arts and culture influence wellbeing and migration decisions. Titled 'Value of Arts and Culture in Place-Shaping,' the report found that 65% of respondents believe arts and culture improve wellbeing, and 36% consider them 'essential for life.' Among those who stayed in an area, 44% cited arts and culture as important in their decision; for those who moved, the figure was 43%. Additionally, 49% said participating in arts events helps them feel part of a community, and 68% agreed such events foster a 'sense of community.' The study also noted that arts organizations are filling gaps left by departing retail businesses on high streets, opening exhibition spaces and attracting visitors, thereby making town centers more appealing places to live, work, and visit.
Key facts
- Study commissioned by Arts Council England to Wavehill Ltd.
- Survey conducted in the UK in 2017.
- Cities studied: Birmingham, Halifax, Hastings, Redruth, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent.
- 65% of people think arts and culture improve wellbeing.
- 36% think arts and culture are essential for life.
- 44% of those who stayed in an area said arts were important in their decision.
- 43% of those who moved said arts were important in their decision.
- 49% said arts events help them feel part of a community.
- 68% said arts events are important for community feeling.
- Arts organizations are filling gaps left by closed retail businesses on high streets.
Entities
Institutions
- Arts Council England
- Wavehill Ltd
Locations
- Birmingham
- Halifax
- Hastings
- Redruth
- Southampton
- Stoke-on-Trent
- United Kingdom