At Cromer Artspace we’ve always believed that creativity grows best when it’s rooted in place; in the people who live here, the stories they share, and the particular character of the North Norfolk coast. Our latest project has taken that idea a step further by using the Arts Council’s Culture and Place Data Explorer to build a strong evidence base for the work we want to develop next.
The data confirms what we see every day: Cromer and the wider North Norfolk area are full of people who are culturally active, curious and engaged. Yet geography, transport and limited local provision mean that access to high‑quality arts experiences can still be uneven. Understanding this picture more clearly has helped us shape a project that responds directly to local need.
Working with independent curator and volunteer Chris Bailkoski, we explored how national and regional arts organisations might connect more meaningfully with coastal communities like ours, places where interest in culture is high, but opportunities can be harder to reach. This research has informed the development of our upcoming symposium, which will bring organisations from across East Anglia and beyond to Cromer to share ideas, test new approaches, and explore how rural and coastal audiences can be better served.
For us, the Culture and Place Data Explorer wasn’t just a research tool; it was a way to strengthen our case for investment and demonstrate that small organisations can use evidence to shape ambitious, outward‑looking projects. It helped us articulate why Cromer is such a valuable place for cultural work, and why national partners should be part of that conversation.
As we move forward, this evidence base will continue to guide our thinking, ensuring that the projects we develop are grounded in real insight, shaped by local voices, and designed to bring high‑quality creative experiences to the people who live, work and visit here.
artscouncil.org.uk/blog/cromer-artspace-building-evidence-base-new-project