COVID-19 and ºù«Ӱҵ's cultural sector: planning for recovery

Academics in English, Music and Urban Studies and Planning are documenting COVID-19's impact on the region's cultural and creative industries. Research on venues, audiences and freelancers, underpinned by analysis of the wider governance context, aims to support reopening and planning for recovery.

Latest Evidence

	String Orchestra Concert
String Orchestra Concert

Freelancers

Launch of the report

Covid-19’s impact on arts, culture and heritage sector revealed by landmark report.


The report, commissioned by researchers from the University of ºù«Ӱҵ's Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences, working with Chamberlain Walker Economics and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, has revealed that the sector suffered from a 60 per cent decline in output - gross value added (GVA) - due to social distancing rules and lockdowns over the past 18 months. This new report revealing the economic impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s arts, culture and heritage sector forms part of wider work, coordinated by the University of ºù«Ӱҵ and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, focussed on the recovery of the South Yorkshire arts and cultural sector following the devastating impact of Covid-19.

  • University of ºù«Ӱҵ-commissioned report reveals the economic impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s arts, culture and heritage sector
  • Report reveals the sector suffered from a 60 per cent decline in output due to social distancing rules and lockdowns
  • Restrictions led to 55 per cent of jobs being furloughed in the sector - the second highest in the UK
  • Impact of restrictions varied within the sector - computer games, software, book publishing, TV broadcasting and libraries grew or had modest declines, whereas cinemas, performing arts, museums and historical sites were badly affected

Read the press release here

Read the report here

Research design overview

Project Team

School of English

Professor Vanessa Toulmin (PI), 

Department of Music

Professor Stephanie PittsProfessor Renee Timmers 

Department of Urban Studies and Planning

Professor Malcolm TaitDr Madeleine PillDr Stephen Hincks

Partnerships and Regional Engagement

Fran Marshall