Current Projects
Saturday, 01 August 2009
Consultants David Powell Associates begin work on Economic Impact Study
Economic Study Will Measure Culture’s Contribution to County’s Well-Being
Cultural industries make up more than 7% of the economy and are one of the fastest growing sectors, with a growth rate twice that of the rest of the economy.
--- Data from DCMS and SEEDA
Research into the impact of culture on the county’s prosperity is being commissioned by Oxford Inspires. Funding for an economic impact study has already come from Arts Council England and local agencies, with preliminary work expected to start in the new year.
Creative organisations and businesses connected with culture and the arts will all be sent a questionnaire as part of an initial audit. Its aim is not only to measure the size of the cultural sector but also to find out what sort of support might be needed to help it grow in the future. A series of focus group meetings is also planned – and there will be an opportunity to air views at Oxfordshire County Council’s Cultural Forum in April.
Oxford Inspires Chief Executive Sarah Maxfield said: “The economic impact study will be more than a simple research project: it will operate as a blueprint for planning the future growth of the cultural and creative industries. We aim to involve senior local politicians, business leaders and the Business Schools of both universities.
“Our vision is to promote an Oxfordshire which is internationally recognised as a leading city and region for culture – and to ensure that culture is fully integrated into any consideration of the future well being of the county. In order to achieve this we first need to review and understand the local picture better.”
The economic impact study will also contribute to the development of the county’s tourism policy. Independent evaluation has already shown that cultural programmes such as Evolving City and Oxfordshire 2007, which were coordinated and marketed by Oxford Inspires on behalf of local organisations, contributed to the county’s economy by bringing in new funding, new visitors and extra business.
