Access and participation

This theme provides an overview of demographic and geographic data on participants and non-participants in cultural activities and access to opportunities for cultural involvement in the lead up to and during the Liverpool ECoC.

In addition, it explores experiences, cultural values and reasons for participation. This theme places particular emphasis on the impact of direct or indirect participation and engagement with the Liverpool ECoC on people’s well-being, and quality of life.

Local area studies

This project explores the perceptions, experiences and levels of engagement with the ECoC of people across Liverpool. Using household surveys and qualitative research, the opinions, activities and perceptions of people in four selected areas of the city is being assessed at various stages between 2007 and 2009. This work is being reported on in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Available reports:

• Neighbourhood Impacts: a longitudinal research study into the impact of the Liverpool European Capital of Culture on local residents
• Local Area Studies – Baseline and 2007 Results

Background documents:

• Local Area Studies - Key Statistics and Mapping of the Four Local Areas

Impacts of volunteering in cultural engagement

This project explores the impacts of taking part in the 08 Volunteer Programme on the volunteers themselves. In particular, it seeks to identify whether volunteering affects attitudes to and participation in cultural activity, and to explore reasons for volunteering and any related aspirations and expectations. Data is being collected using questionnaires delivered to the volunteers, in-depth interviews, focus groups and observations. Reports will be available in 2008 and 2009. (The 08 Volunteer Programme was set up in 2005 to support the delivery of the 2008 programme and events in the themed years leading up to this.)

Available reports:

• Volunteering for Culture: exploring the impact of being an 08 Volunteer (2010)

Measuring the impacts of culture on quality of life

The purpose of this project is to create and pilot a tool-kit that artists can use to explore and measure the impact of participation in cultural events and the arts on quality of life (QoL) across key domains (such as health, self-confidence, aesthetic or spiritual experience, sense of safety, community cohesion). Key stakeholders are engaging in a process of exploration of these domains within an appreciative inquiry format to develop a tool that will allow measurement of QoL impacts of selected programmes. This work will be reported on as part of our final report in March 2010.