Future Arts Centres frequently conducts research about arts centres for the benefit of our members.

Salary benchmarking

Annual salary benchmarking provides arts centre leaders with invaluable data for staffing (password protected).

Sector Insight Report

In 2024, we published a Sector Insight Report which analysed data from financial statements of arts centres for 2022/23. It showed that the total value of the UK sector is over £200m, however arts centres are under huge financial pressures, as a result of COVID recovery, high inflation and the cost of living crisis, with reports that 56% finished 23/24 with below target reserves.

Pulse surveys

We regularly invite members to answer rapid ‘pulse surveys’ on key topics, and share the results with the network to equip leaders with up to date benchmarking and insightful comparisons.

Partnership with Dave Moutrey and the University of Manchester

With the support of both Future Arts Centres and the University of Manchester, Dave is developing a podcast series and book that look at where arts centres have come from, their business models, what makes them work and their role in artist development, audience development, and place-making. You can read more about the research and partnership here.