Scoping a National Cultural Data Observatory

PublicationNational Cultural Data Observatory

1 Apr

Research Report

Author

Ben Walmsley; Clare Daněk; Martin Zebracki; Anna Kime (University of Leeds); Patrick Towell; Sophia Woodley; Stephen Miller (The Audience Agency); Sarah Thelwall; David Kane (MyCake); Trevor MacFarlane (Culture Commons); Susan Oman (University of Sheffield); Steven Hadley (De Montfort University).

Description

This report sets out the case, design principles and development pathway for a National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO): a shared evidence infrastructure to strengthen data, insight and decision-making across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on consultation, research and prototype development, it addresses fragmentation in current cultural data systems and proposes a more coherent approach to generating, connecting and governing evidence, supporting policymakers, funders, researchers and practitioners with stronger analytical capacity and improved understanding of participation, infrastructure, investment and outcomes.

The report also situates cultural data within wider shifts in public policy, including devolution, place-based growth and outcomes-led governance. Reflecting evidence contributed through Culture Commons’ work with combined authorities and local government, it highlights how shared data infrastructure can support devolved decision-making, reduce duplication and better embed culture within regional and national policy frameworks, positioning the NCDO not simply as a data initiative but as institutional infrastructure for stronger cultural policymaking.

Published as part of Scoping National Cultural Data Observatory project.