Culture Sparks and The Audience Business are excited to announce two major events in Glasgow (11 October)  and Edinburgh (13 October) this autumn featuring presentations from one of the international cultural sector’s most prolific lobbying organisations and active proponents in successfully arguing the case for the arts.

They are delighted to welcome Nick Crosson, Research Analyst with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, USA to share his knowledge, expertise and experience of methods used by cultural organisations in Philadelphia to win political and financial support. His story reveals a strong case for culture rooted in robust, powerful research and presented in an easily-digestible way. It clearly illuminates cultural participation, adds to our understanding of audience demographics and engagement, and how these key elements influence change over time.

These twin events will reap dividends for everyone across the cultural sector, from Director to practitioner seeking the tools and resources to learn from audiences, demonstrate their wider influence and build powerful evidence about the value and impact of arts and culture locally and nationally.

DISCUSSION & BREAKOUT SESSIONS

During discussion and breakout sessions for, ‘In conversation with Nick Crosson’, you will have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of approaches deployed by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Specifically how:

Research can delivery specific and cost-effective insights to actively demonstrate audience engagement and expansion.

•Several studies commissioned by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance look in detail at – who take takes part – what the range of cultural participation looks like – what influences people to take part – how patterns and styles of engagement differ and change over time, and how levels of engagement across the population of Philadelphia (approx.1.5 million) compares across the combined populations of Glasgow and Edinburgh (approx.1 million).

Research argues a very strong case when economic pressures question relevancy and value for money.

•In Autumn 2009, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance led the state-wide coalition that defeated the so-called ‘Arts Tax’ – a proposal which would have expanded the state’s sales tax to include ticket purchases for arts and cultural events. Their case drew on annual Portfolio reports which provided comprehensive information on the health and breadth of Philadelphia’s diverse cultural sector. As a result, the 2011 Portfolio report will now encompass South-eastern Pennsylvania’s non-profit arts and cultural organisations within its reflections on the effects of recession.

Research can inspire innovative new partnerships and collaborations.

•Could research reports actually create the stirrings of revolution? Could we soon see young children at the opera? These may seem a little far-fetched, and yet the Cultural Alliance’s report Research Into Action: Pathways to New Opportunities provided the touch paper for real change to the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s (OCP) programme and marketing. Through this, Nick will share some remarkable, behind-the-scenes insights into how the Philadelphia region’s diverse population engages with the arts. He will also provide a handy ’10 Key Findings’ which all cultural organisations can use to help increase audience engagement.

BOOKINGS

‘In conversation with Nick Crossan’ is FREE to attend. As these events are likely to be oversubscribed, please book early to guarantee your place – spaces will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served basis’.

Visit http://nickcrossonedinburgh.eventbrite.com/  to book tickets for the Edinburgh event (13 October 2011) and http://conversationnickcrosson.eventbrite.com/ to book tickets for the Glasgow event (11 October 2011).

TERMS & CONDITIONS

There is a fee of £30 + VAT applicable for non-attendance or cancellation within 5 days of the event.

Source: Culture Sparks