The Value of Cultural Organisations

Recent studies by BiGGAR Economics reveal that cultural organisations across Scotland – from local community assets to some of Scotland’s largest tourist attractions – play an important role in delivering meaningful impact for Scotland and its communities. Commonalities across studies show their benefits are threefold.

Wealth Creators

Through their core operations, cultural organisations provide meaningful employment for local people. Employees of cultural institutions we have looked at tend to report higher job satisfaction than the Scottish average. These organisations therefore provide local employment whilst simultaneously driving wellbeing.

Cultural Levers

By fostering a vibrant cultural life in communities across Scotland and enhancing the overall quality of life in these areas, these organisations often play a dual role as a visitor destination and a community asset. These factors make an important contribution to attracting and retaining skilled workers, thereby helping secure the long-term sustainability of these communities. For example, employing just eight staff, Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries is the only venue in south west Scotland big enough to accommodate a full orchestra. This enables the venue to attract headline acts that otherwise may not visit and makes a vital contribution to the region’s social infrastructure and cultural offering.

Wellbeing Generators

Whilst not a new finding, the importance of these organisations for generating national wellbeing cannot be overstated. Organisations of this nature often generate significant benefits against a backdrop of limited resources, with organisations we have worked with generating approximately £77,990 in wellbeing benefits per employee. This impact is primarily driven by visitor wellbeing, fostered by the joy and inspiration cultural sites bring to people’s lives, by providing opportunities to engage with works of artistic quality, fostering a sense of identity and belonging, and creating an opportunity to reduce loneliness and improve social cohesion.

Based on recent BiGGAR Economics’ studies, cultural organisations generated approximately £77,990 in wellbeing benefits per employee.

Many cultural organisations recognise that they can play an important role in ensuring that these health and wellbeing benefits are accessible to all, and are continuing to explore ways to cater to the diverse needs of those with either physical or cognitive differences and those experiencing social barriers. Despite this often being beyond their core remit, many deliver a wide range of activities that support wellbeing across Scotland driven by social responsibility rather than funding.

To this end, many cultural organisations that BiGGAR Economics has worked with provide tailored programmes for adults, facilitating group visits for those otherwise unable to visit, including those with visual and hearing impairments, facilitating dementia friendly activities, community outreach initiatives, and even physical interventions to support access.

Another important element of this work is delivering extensive programmes and support for schools and young people, including hosting immersive onsite workshops, visiting schools across Scotland, and providing interactive learning and access to online resources. This activity plays an important role in fostering vital meta-skills that help drive innovation and growth in the economy.

Looking Ahead

Known for enriching Scottish culture, these organisations also play an important role in generating significant economic and wellbeing benefits for Scotland. BiGGAR Economics’ recent work in the sector highlights an opportunity for further investment in these institutions, from community hubs to some of Scotland’s largest tourist attractions, to ensure they can continue to deliver these benefits and reach wider audiences.

For further information, please see our recent work on cultural organisations or contact info@biggareconomics.co.uk.