Cultural Infrastructure Maintenance Assessment

We urge the theatre sector to take part in an important research survey being conducted on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) into repair and maintenance backlogs in cultural venues.

This research will help the government to understand the scale of the issues faced across the sector which may inform future government policy, so it is vital that theatres are fully represented amongst this.

The survey seeks information on how building condition is monitored; the current condition of the building; the impacts of being unable to carry out necessary repair, maintenance and renewal and the benefits which would result from being able to complete it; maintenance budgets; and the financial resources of the owning organisation.

It would therefore be helpful for respondents to have to hand information on the building itself and its finances to make the survey as quick and efficient to complete as possible. All data entered into the survey will be reported only in an anonymised form.

Cultural Infrastructure Maintenance Assessment

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has commissioned a major research project to understand the scale and nature of the UK’s cultural infrastructure maintenance needs. The aim of the research is to help inform future policy development by providing a sound evidence base for the scale of the backlog of conservation repairs and maintenance affecting these sectors. The scope of the research includes arts, heritage and cultural destinations in England, including publicly and third-sector owned theatres, non-accredited museums and art galleries, heritage sites, cathedrals and major churches.

The research will be carried out by Purcell Architects in partnership with Harlow Consulting from December 2023 to March 2024. Information will be gathered through questionnaires, telephone interviews and engagement with representatives of arts, cultural, and heritage organisations. Also, a select number of case studies will be prepared to provide a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the repair and maintenance of our theatre and heritage assets. Enquiries regarding the research should be addressed to DCMSResearch@Purcelluk.com

Take part in the survey here. 

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