The need for a strategic audience development project was articulated in both the Strategic Investment Plan and the Arts & Culture Strategy of Derry City & Strabane District Council as well as in the Donegal County Council Creative Ireland Culture and Creativity Strategy.

A baseline survey was carried out in 2019 and the results are being fully analysed this year.  In 2019, 2,400 people in the North West (1,000 of whom were in Donegal) were surveyed regarding their cultural engagement, including their cross-border behaviour patterns.  Audience data from ticketed venues will also be reviewed. 

Demographics, geography and knowledge of barriers and motivations will play a part in agreeing the groups to target who currently under engage in culture.  We will then look at creative programming and participation actions to reach the agreed target audiences, agree what success looks like and how it will be evaluated, and draw up a realistic and achievable Audience Development plan.

This is a cross-border project  and is supported by the North West Development Fund in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and the Irish Government, Creative Ireland, Derry City & Strabane District Council, and Donegal County Council.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.