M·E·L Research to Evaluate Newcastle’s Ten-Year Cultural Investment Programme
M·E·L Research has been appointed by Newcastle City Council to deliver a three-year evaluation programme covering two of the city’s flagship cultural events – NOVUM and Enchanted City – alongside a three-year training and development initiative for emerging cultural producers. Together, these activities form the first phase of Newcastle’s ambitious ten-year investment in culture, designed to strengthen the city’s creative economy and widen participation in its cultural life.
The evaluation will capture insight from audiences, producers, artists, and volunteers, combining qualitative and quantitative research to assess each event’s cultural, social and economic impact. Through surveys, interviews, on-the-ground observation and secondary data analysis, the M·E·L team will track both the immediate and long-term benefits of the programme – from local business growth and visitor spend to skills development and civic pride.
Over the three-year period, M·E·L will also support the evaluation of a new training programme aimed at equipping aspiring cultural producers with the skills, confidence and professional networks to deliver future events in the region. The programme will explore how sustained investment in creative leadership can strengthen Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure and help embed inclusive practice across the sector.
“Evaluating cultural work is vital – not just to evidence the value of investment, but to learn from it. What’s especially important here is the council’s long-term commitment. Having a ten-year horizon gives them a rare opportunity to track how events, people and partnerships evolve over time, and to understand how culture can drive social and economic change when it’s nurtured consistently.”
The findings from each evaluation cycle will be shared with Newcastle City Council, local partners and funders to inform planning for future years. By embedding evaluation and learning from the outset, the programme aims to ensure that Newcastle’s cultural investment leaves a lasting legacy – for its residents, creative practitioners, and the wider North East region.
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