Image Credit: Jason Pay
Turner Contemporary launches pioneering Social Value Research at the House of Commons
On Monday 31st October Turner Contemporary are launching our Social Value Research at the House of Commons.
We commissioned this research – carried out by Canterbury Christ Church University – to deepen our understanding of the gallery’s impact, aware that our economic impact– an estimated £7.8 million of NET additional expenditure for the Kent economy and 101 FTE jobs in Kent safeguarded during 2015/16 – is only one part of a bigger picture.
Turner Contemporary continues to lead on the regeneration of Margate and East Kent, supporting our vision, Art Inspiring Change. It is widely recognised as one of the most successful galleries in the UK with more than 2.1 million visits since opening in 2011 and 4% of visitors never having been to an art gallery before. 72 new businesses have also opened since 2011.
Regeneration is about so much more than just buildings and infrastructure; it is about people – our creativity, aspirations, skills and networks as human beings.
As such, the research explores the impact that Turner Contemporary has on the lives of visitors, and participants in our programmes, giving voice to why our visitors value Turner Contemporary and why art and culture are vital to a cohesive and healthy society.
Amongst many benefits, they tell us that the gallery provides a stronger sense of connectedness to family and friends; enables them to be more receptive to new experiences; empowers them; increases self-belief, inspires and excites them and encourages them to be more active members of society.
Victoria Pomery OBE, Director of Turner Contemporary says; “At a time when our communities are becoming fractured and divided, this research brings great hope that art really does inspire positive change and can help us to build a stronger, more creative and connected society in the future.”