Innovation as Infrastructure: RD&I in the cultural sector
This session will build on the findings of Eliza Easton's recent paper “Theatre transformed: harnessing research, development and innovation" in partnership with the National Theatre, which explored how investment in innovation can support economic growth and greater social impact in the theatre sector. It will consider how this paper's learnings can be applied to the cultural sector more widely, where policy change is needed, and will end with a discussion about what the implications of the paper's findings are for the West Midlands.
Eliza Easton is the founder of Erskine Analysis, a think tank focussed on soft power and the global creative industries. She is a leading authority on both subjects having published more than forty policy and research papers, with recent work covering topics as varied as education, business models, trade policy and devolution. Her work has directly shaped UK government thinking including on immigration, funding, soft power and regional development. Her two most recent published papers were “Theatre transformed: harnessing research, development and innovation" in partnership with the National Theatre, and "Arts investment around the world: policy, place and philanthropy", which was published as an Annex to Margaret Hodge's review of Arts Council England.
Getting involved
These meetings take place online at 9.30-10.30am (UK) on the second Tuesday of every month. If you would like to join the learning sessions, please sign up using the form linked below or email info@culturecentral.co.uk.
We aim to facilitate and accommodate all accessibility needs. Please do let us know below if you have any specific questions, needs or comments and we will do our best to meet them.
About WMCRU
Set up during COVID, our regular West Midlands Culture Response Unit (WMCRU) meetings were a vital lifeline for the sector in connecting, sharing and getting practical information and advice. WMCRU has continued to be a useful space for organisations and individuals that Culture Central continues to support as a collective and collaborative space for all those that are interested in the cultural ecology of the region. In 2024-25, WMCRU meetings will explore key strategic challenges and opportunities that affect the sector and the region.