On the 27th of September, Arts Council England launched the Culture and Place Data Explorer (the Explorer) an interactive tool that allows users to map investment in culture and creativity with over 200 other data indicators that tell us more about people and places across the country.

As part of its commitment to making sure that England is a place where everyone’s creativity is valued and has a chance to flourish, Arts Council England has designed the Explorer to provide users with a detailed picture of where our funding is reaching, and where there are opportunities to improve access and engagement. The aim is for this to encourage a data-enabled and evidence-based approach to cultural development across the country.

The Explorer will allow users to:

• Build a profile of the cultural and creative infrastructure in a specific area, with over 200 data indicators, all in one place
• Instantly compare data in a specific area with data from other towns, or cities, or regional and national statistics
• Produce and download customisable and detailed reports, charts and tables

Created to complement existing Arts Council data products, the Explorer has been developed in conjunction with delivery partner Five10Twelve and using Local Insight as provided by the Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI). The free web-based tool uses a Google Maps interface and includes Arts Council-funded organisations, Artsmark schools, libraries, venues, and arts-related charities, as well as local authority and census data.

To coincide with the launch of the Culture and Place Data Explorer, Arts Council England and the Local Government Association commissioned the University of Warwick to update the Joint Cultural Needs Assessment (JCNA) guidelines, to reference how the new tool can be used. The JCNA helps creative and cultural organisations respond to the needs of their local communities, with a view to reducing inequalities and obstacles to participation in Arts and Culture.

Laura Dyer, Deputy Chief Executive Places, Engagement & Libraries, Arts Council England, said:

"As stewards of public funds, we believe that transparency is paramount. The wealth of data provided by the Culture and Place Data Explorer will provide access to vital information that will allow us, our partners and the public, to understand both where our funding is currently allocated, and where our engagement could be improved. The tool will also provide easy-to-access details of the demographics, challenges and opportunities facing the communities we work with. This will help us and our partners to understand how to target development work and reflect on our collective impact in places.”

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:

"We want the arts to be centre stage across the country. This new data tool from Arts Council England will help us build a clearer picture of the challenge, as we review how we fund arts organisations in this country, to ensure geography no longer stands in the way of people achieving their full potential, and we unlock creative opportunities for all."

Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said:

"Cultural services help improve communities and boost local economies, through driving high street footfall, supporting creative industries and encouraging visitors. Using the best evidence to design and focus this work has never been more important, as we make sure every penny counts and reaches those who would not otherwise be able to experience the benefits of cultural and creative experiences.

I am delighted that we have been able to work with Arts Council England to refresh and update the Joint Cultural Needs Assessment, which will help all councils as they build partnerships to create positive cultural and creative experiences in their places.”