NI Audiences' perception of arts and culture

This month we asked the panel about what arts and culture activities they participate in as well as what the words “art” and “culture” mean to them. It showed us that people interpret these words in different ways. Respondents had very meaningful things to say about arts and culture, and we've included some of their quotes.

Spoiler: NI audiences value arts and culture more than we think and they've exceeded our expectations.

Want to know more about our Audience Panel?

In 2021, we are changing the audience conversation on to the really good stuff that organisations need to hear from their public.

We’ve moved on from long, multiple-pages surveys (for now!) and thought it would be magical to talk with audiences. Yes, actually talk. Directly. With them. Like you would do in the good auld days in your theatre lobby.

We have partnered with Belfast City Council to run a year-long Audience Panel. Participating Belfast organisations helped us to recruit members of their audiences to take part. From now until December 2021, we’ll send these 833 audience members monthly short surveys and invite them to regular focus groups.

The topics of these conversations will be focused on the various elements of relationship building, to understand what makes audiences click and stick.

Although our panel has been recruited from Belfast organisations, their audiences could be from anywhere and overlap with yours. The insights we’ll gather will be as relevant to you as they will be to them.

The 2021 Audience Panel is supported by Belfast City Council.