APPG for Visual Arts and Artists meeting taking place in Portcullis House © DACS
Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Visual Arts and Artists met yesterday to discuss the need for a stronger evidence base for the visual arts sector and the potential role of a new Visual Arts Data Observatory.
Chaired by Cat Eccles MP, the meeting heard findings from Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN)’s scoping work, which explored how a centralised data observatory could improve understanding of artists’ livelihoods, audiences, infrastructure and the wider impact of visual arts across the UK.
Paula Orrell, National Director of CVAN, outlined the challenges posed by fragmented data collection across the sector, while Chris Clarke-Dawson presented key findings and recommendations from the scoping study.
Members discussed how a more coordinated approach to data collection and sharing could support better policymaking, investment and advocacy for the visual arts. The session concluded with a discussion on the role Parliament can play in supporting the development of the initiative and strengthening the sector’s evidence base.
The APPG for Visual Arts and Artists will continue to engage with policymakers, researchers and sector organisations as work progresses. Secretariat support for the APPG is jointly provided by DACS, CVAN and Artists Now.
