Alma Economics conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence base with regard to the Welsh culture sector on behalf of the Welsh Government. The aim of this work was to assist the government in the development of its Culture Strategy by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date view of research and evidence across key areas of interest: museums, the arts, libraries, archives, and heritage.

During the first phase of the research project, our team carried out a series of interviews with Welsh Government officials and sector stakeholders to understand the availability of data and identify the key topics of interest. These interviews also helped identify policy priorities which informed our analysis in the next phase of the project. We further implemented a systematic search strategy to identify additional evidence sources concerning the five culture sub-sectors in Wales.

During Phase 2, we undertook a meticulous review and mapping of data and evidence against the key topics of interest and policy priorities. The findings from this data mapping exercise were translated into an interactive Evidence Map.

To conclude our study, we produced a comprehensive “state of the nation” report on the Welsh culture sector. This analyses key statistics and trends in relation to the main topics of interest and policy priorities, and identifies relevant gaps and limitations of existing evidence.

➥ Click here for the full report.