This research paper explores public attitudes towards culture, creativity and local cultural decision-making through focus groups conducted across the UK. It examines how people understand the value of culture in their communities, their perceptions of cultural funding and governance, and their desire for greater transparency and local influence over decisions. The report highlights the importance of public engagement, trust and accountability, and considers how devolved cultural systems can better reflect the priorities and experiences of local communities.

This insight paper explores the role of pan-regional collaboration in supporting the growth and development of the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on perspectives from Creative Estuary and the Royal Society of Arts’ and the One Creative North and others, it examines how collaboration at scale can strengthen investment, coordination, knowledge-sharing and innovation across geographic boundaries. The report highlights the potential of pan-regional approaches to complement local and regional decision-making, and considers how future devolution frameworks can support more connected systems of cultural governance.

This research paper examines the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem of the West Midlands within the context of England’s evolving devolution agenda. Drawing on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and regional evidence, it explores the opportunities and challenges facing cultural governance, investment and collaboration across the region. The report highlights the role of combined authorities, local councils and cultural institutions in shaping a more coordinated approach to culture, and considers how the West Midlands can strengthen its contribution to regional growth, wellbeing and civic life.

This discussion paper explores the case for recognising cultural participation and access as fundamental rights within systems of public policy and governance. Drawing on cultural rights frameworks and international practice, it examines how a rights-based approach could strengthen cultural democracy, accountability and inclusion across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. The report considers how cultural rights might be embedded within devolved governance arrangements and local policy frameworks to ensure all citizens can participate fully in the cultural life of their communities.

This insight paper explores how devolution and increased local decision-making are affecting independent museums and galleries across the UK. Drawing on perspectives from sector leaders, it examines the relationship between cultural organisations and local government, including the opportunities and challenges created by changing governance structures, funding pressures and regional priorities. The report highlights the civic, educational and wellbeing contributions of independent museums and galleries, and considers how they can be more effectively supported and integrated within devolved cultural policy frameworks.

This research paper examines how different legal structures and business models support organisations across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. Drawing on case studies and policy analysis, it explores the opportunities and challenges facing freelancers, SMEs and hybrid enterprises, and considers how existing support mechanisms respond to their diverse needs. The report highlights the importance of tailored, evidence-based interventions and stronger local decision-making to ensure creativity is fully embedded within regional economic development and growth strategies.

This insight paper explores how combined authorities and local authorities are working together to support the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem within England’s evolving devolution framework. Drawing on perspectives from regional and local government leaders, it examines approaches to collaboration, strategic planning, investment, data and public engagement across different tiers of governance. The report highlights the importance of strong local–regional partnerships and considers how policy, capacity and coordination can help embed culture more effectively within devolved decision-making and place-based development.

This insight paper examines how citizens can play a greater role in shaping local cultural decision-making across the UK. Drawing on examples of participatory governance and community-led practice, it explores approaches that strengthen public involvement in cultural planning, investment and accountability. The report considers how local voice can be embedded more effectively within devolved governance systems, supporting more inclusive, democratic and community-centred cultural policymaking.

This insight paper examines how local cultural strategies can support creativity, participation and investment within the UK’s evolving devolution landscape. Drawing on examples from local authorities across the UK, it explores how place-based cultural strategies can bring together public bodies, cultural organisations and communities around shared priorities for growth and inclusion. The report highlights the role of cultural strategies in strengthening local leadership, civic engagement and long-term planning, helping to embed culture at the heart of local and regional development.

This insight paper examines how devolution and local decision-making are evolving across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Drawing on perspectives from across the four nations, it explores how different governance arrangements, funding systems and civic traditions shape the distribution of power and responsibility at local and regional levels. The report considers the implications for culture and highlights the need for more coherent, participatory and place-based approaches to cultural decision-making within the UK’s changing constitutional landscape.

This research paper introduces Creative Improvement Districts (CIDs), an innovative place-based model that uses culture, creativity and the night-time economy to support local regeneration and growth. Drawing on evidence from Greater Manchester and examples from across the UK, it explores how cultural infrastructure, planning and community engagement can be aligned to strengthen creative ecosystems and deliver social, economic and civic benefits. The report sets out recommendations for policymakers and local leaders on embedding culture more effectively within place-making, governance and long-term development strategies.