This document is a useful resource for local authorities. It brings together the National Indicator Set with key evidence and case studies to help boroughs explore how cultural services can contribute to the delivery of their LAA.

David Warwick, Acting Regional Director, Government Office for London

Challenge

In 2008 London Borough Councils renegotiated their local area agreements. The MLA and Arts Council England, London were keen to support Council's in using culture to deliver non-cultural outcomes as part of their LAAs. The difficulty was that evidence for the contribution of culture is dispersed and of variable quality.

Approach

Cultural Intelligence proposed an overarching analysis of the published evidence and the creation of a research digest and advocacy publication. This was to be produced as quickly as possible as time was running short.

A research framework was proposed that would ensure evidence was captured against a range of national indicators across the domains of arts, museums, libraries and archives.

Outcome

Evidence was tracked and analysed against the following headings and sub headings

• Stronger and safer communities - building social cohesion, reducing reoffending and anti-social behaviour
• Children and young people - improving literacy, numeracy and school behaviour, improving engagement in training and providing positive activities, improving emotional and physical health especially for looked after children
• Adult health and wellbeing - improving overall health, making informed decisions about health
• Local economy - helping creative business grow, improving basic skills, helping businesses thrive

Two reports were produced. A short advocacy report was distributed widely across London and a longer research digest was circulated as a resource to support Officers and Members in making the case to include culture in their new LAAs. Both our aviailable on the resources section of this website.