Evidence | England | The Audience Agency

As in other areas of the UK, the arts, culture and heritage sector in England has been faced with unprecedented challenges this year, prompting organisations to adapt to new ways of working.

England's vast population has given rise to a huge variety in pandemic experiences. Lockdowns - in terms of both length and severity - have had different impacts at different times across the country, while the experiences of organisations and attitudes of prospective audiences in the North, Midlands, South and (especially) London have diverged greatly throughout...

North

The North was perhaps harder hit during the pandemic's peak, as stricter local lockdowns limited opportunities to resume in-person activity.

Midlands

While the deep impact of the Covid-19 crisis has been felt by arts and culture organisations and audiences nationwide, the Midlands have seen longer and stricter lockdowns than many regions.

South

People living in the South were less likely to have experienced local lockdowns than other regions – and those in the South West in particular – reported less of negative impact on their income than elsewhere.

London

The capital's pre-pandemic arts and culture offering was crucial to the UK's creative economy, consisting of some of the most high-profile performing arts venues, museums, galleries, orchestras and dance companies in the world.