Join colleagues from the Centre for Cultural Value, The Audience Agency, MyCake and Culture Commons to discover more about the blueprint they have developed for a National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO).

As we continue our data initiatives, we have been invited to participate in an important event on 8 June regarding the National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO).

We are at a critical juncture and need to build momentum regarding the importance of our work. It is essential to demonstrate how the government can further invest in public infrastructure and artists to support the vital role the arts play across the UK.

The online session will provide updates on the launch of the NCDO website, manifesto, public report, and demonstrator. Speakers include Patrick Towell, Sarah Thelwall, Stephen Miller, and Trevor MacFarlane.

The event will also feature two panel discussions:

Panel 1: How can better, collectively gathered intelligence potentially transform cultural policymaking?

– Chair: Daniel Ashton (Winchester School of Art)

– Panellists: David Johnson (Arts Council England), Jennifer Huygen (Community Leisure UK), Jules Lent (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority), Paula Orrell (CVAN), and Harman Sagger (DCMS).

Panel 2: Reflecting on evidence, how can we better reflect lived experiences and the views of our communities alongside the needs of funders, policymakers and the sector?

– Chair: Anne Torreggiani (The Audience Agency)

– Panellists: Helen Bewsher (Bradford 2025), Rishi Coupland (BFI), Evan Dawson (National Youth Arts Wales), Thorsten Dreyer (CLOA), Jan Garrill (Yorkshire Funders), and Richard Welpton (ESRC).

Additionally, Ben Walmsley and Stephen Dobson from the Centre for Cultural Value will discuss the NCDO Blueprint project and future steps.