Phedre, NT Live. Credit: Catherine Ashmore
How will we know if we are succeeding?
As a major public body we want our stakeholders to be confident we are performing well and succeeding in achieving the things we set out to do.
Using the framework as the starting point in our approach to evaluation, for each goal we will ask a number of key questions. Seeking to answer these questions will enable us to have the best sense of whether the goals are being achieved and to what extent. This will enable us to judge the effectiveness of our work and consider whether alternative courses of action are needed. We will gather or request information or data from arts organisations and partners when we know it will help us to answer these questions.
We will also use the framework to renew our commitment to research over the next 10 years. Robust evidence will be important, both to inform effective policy making and to demonstrate the impact and value of the arts. Our approach to research will also be collaborative, seeking to create networks around each of the goals and to share knowledge and information for the benefit of all those working in or interested in the arts.
A new conversation
The goals set a clear direction for the Arts Council’s work, but we know their ambition and focus is shared by many working in arts and culture and beyond. We want to have regular discussions around the country open to all those contributing, or with the potential to contribute, to achieving the goals. We will use our website as a public forum for these discussions and as a place to publish what we learn through research and evaluation.
We hope this publication will be a catalyst for new conversations about deepening the value of the arts, from Plymouth to Middlesbrough, from Colchester to the Lake District. The next 10 years in the arts are far from predetermined. They are ours to create.
