GB-London: Meta-evaluation of ACE place-based funding programmes

Arts Council is committed to continuing to build the evidence base of the role of arts and culture in driving and delivering positive economic and social outcomes in places. As we begin to deliver Let's Create , our 10-year strategy for 2020-2030, we want to understand the impact of arts and culture in contributing to places and communities, the role place-based investment programmes within the sector have played in delivering economic and social outcomes in place, and what can be learnt from these programmes to inform policy and future programmes which support place-based development.

Arts Council is seeking an experienced researcher/evaluator to conduct an independent meta-evaluation, triangulating the overall impacts of Arts Council and wider sector place-based programme-level evaluations since 2012 and conduct further mixed-methods research with key stakeholders.

The aim of the research is to provide a strategic overview of place-based investment by Arts Council and other funders, including interpreting and consolidating the key findings, learning and considerations from their programme-level evaluations and primary research. The project should provide a fresh and objective overview of place-based development and investment since 2012.

The final report will clearly interpret and consolidate the key findings, learnings and considerations from the analysis and primary research for Arts Council and the wider sector. The final report will set out considerations, ideas and policy implications for Arts Council in supporting place-based work in the future. The research and final report will contribute to the building of our evidence base for the delivery of Let's Create and specifically the Outcome: Cultural Communities. It will also inform the wider DCMS policy context and support Arts Council in addressing the Government's evolving priorities such as the levelling up agenda.