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Executive summary

Executive summary

In October 2021, we commissioned SQW to undertake a process and impact evaluation of DYCP, running to March 2022.

DYCP was introduced in 2018 to support the development of independent cultural and creative practitioners.

It provides grants to enable practitioners to commit time and money towards developing their practice. It aims to encourage creativity, research, experimentation and risk taking, to enable practitioners to progress and flourish with their creative practice and career. It is expected that this innovation will be of public benefit by leading to the production and dissemination of higher quality work.

Download the Executive Summary

Our response

An artist spray paints a mural on a wall.

Our response

Take a look at some of the key numbers that tell the story of DYCP so far.

Take a look

Take a look

The following evaluation questions were posed:

  • To what extent has DYCP achieved expected outcomes and met its original aims?
  • Has the programme helped individuals to sustain a career within the sector? Have different groups been impacted in different ways, how and why?
  • Did interim changes to the programme help to support individuals? (Round 8 onwards)
  • What can be learned from how the Rounds 1-9 were delivered? What is working well, and less well, for whom and why?
  • Are there specific barriers that cultural practitioners working in the Museums or Libraries sector face? What are the reasons they don’t apply to the programme?
  • What could be improved and what recommendations are there for future development of DYCP? Are there gaps that could be addressed in future rounds?
  • What barriers did unsuccessful applicants face in reapplying? Would anything in particular have helped them to take the appropriate next steps?