Sunset from Strand Road, Dublin © Giuseppe Milo

Culture Connects: mapping UK Ireland arts & cultural connections

British Council Ireland have commissioned research to explore arts and cultural connections between the UK and Ireland. Through a mixed methods study, the research, conducted by Nothern-Ireland based Starling Start, will generate knowledge and insight on artists mobility and cultural connection between the UK and Ireland.

About the Research

The research combines survey responses with interviews, a desktop literature review of policy, and mapping of available data in recent arts and cultural connection between the UK and Ireland. We are gathering insights from both individual practitioners and organisational representatives across the artforms of literature, music, theatre, dance, visual arts and multi-disciplinary practice as well as those engaged in creative and cultural work. Our overall goal is to understand how to foster greater connectivity, mutual understanding, and stronger relationships in the arts / cultural sectors between UK and Ireland.

The study will comprise a mixed methods study - analysing quantitative data in addition to a series of semi-structured interviews with artists and key cultural stakeholders in the UK and Ireland. The research aims to do the following:

  • Capture the connections between the UK and Ireland in arts and culture.
  • Understand geographic specificity and attraction across the UK and Ireland.
  • Explore the motivations (and barriers) associated with this attraction.
  • Generate recommendations for the type of interventions, initiatives or supports that could create, or enhance, mobility and connection across the UK and Ireland.

It will be of interest to government agencies, policy makers, analogue organisations, resource agencies and arts and cultural practitioners along with those interested in arts and culture in a UK Ireland context. Find out more here.

About the Researchers

Starling Start is a consultancy based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, renowned for its excellence in managing and delivering transformative, creative, and strategic projects. Starling Start collaborates with a diverse range of organisations, artists, architects, designers, educators, producers, and communities of practice. Amberlea Neely and Jane Morrow of Starling Start are leading our research. 

How to Have Your Voice Heard

Are you an artist or do you work in the creative and cultural industries (CCI) and are resident in either Ireland (Republic of Ireland) or the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales)? Click here to take part in our 'Culture Connects: mapping UK Ireland arts & cultural connections' survey and add your voice to this exciting research. Deadline for responses is 9 December 2024.

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