New Liverpool organisation championing the city’s arts and culture celebrates first full year

The Culture Network LCR CIC, the new membership organisation championing the Liverpool City Region’s arts and culture sector, is marking a milestone first year since launching in Spring 2024.

With 65+ member organisations and growing, the network has quickly become a vital advocate for the region’s creative and cultural sector—driving collaboration, supporting economic growth, and expanding access to culture across the region.

• 65+ cultural member organisations and growing across the Liverpool City Region
   
• £100 million+ contributed annually to the regional economy by member organisations
   
• £87 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) from the sector to the local economy
   
• 11.6 million attendees reached across cultural events in the past year
   
• 1.2 million participants actively engaged in cultural programmes
   
• 33,500+ cultural events delivered by network members

Collectively, member organisations contribute over £100 million annually to the regional economy. With the inclusion of members Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool, this impact rises even more dramatically to over £800 million. The network’s members (excluding the listed universities) employ more than 2,000 full time equivalent cultural professionals, contributing over £87 million in Gross Value Added to the LCR economy. This employment figure doesn’t even include part time, freelance or commissioned creatives!

Over the past year, members attracted 11.6 million attendees and engaged 1.2 million participants across more than 33,500 cultural events. The network has grown by 47% since launching, expanding far beyond Liverpool city. Notably, 67% of members deliver programming in the surrounding boroughs, with 25% based in those areas, ensuring that access to arts and culture extends across the region.

The Culture Network LCR has formed five member-led working groups focusing on Strategy, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access (EDIA), Joint Promotion, Metal’s Sustainability Network ‘Shift’, plus Participation & Skills. These groups have led initiatives that include hosting nine sector-wide roundtable discussions, engaging with the Culture Secretary during the Labour Party Conference, lobbying MPs and councillors on funding and policy issues, and contributing to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Civil Society Covenant.

Charlotte Corrie, Executive Director of The Culture Network LCR said:

“Our first year has shown the incredible power of collaboration across the region’s cultural and creative sector. By speaking with one voice, networking and sharing resources, we’ve amplified our collective impact and are working hard to tackle major challenges together.”

“Arts & Culture is our bread and butter. We tell our story; we keep our city and the region on the map – locally, nationally, globally – that’s our superpower! Our city region’s culture speaks loud and proud—through our artists, our arts organisations, theatres, museums, galleries, film, comedy, music venues, and more.”

Faye Dyer, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group said:

“We’re really enjoying the increased connectivity, the shared voice, and the relevant, engaging updates from across the network.”

Find out more out The Culture Network here.

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