Cultural Recovery Evidence Review

This report by James Davies, City-REDI, University of Birmingham brings together academic and policy literature relevant to the theme of cultural recovery, drawing on interdisciplinary research and evidence for cultural policy and offering international case studies. It aims to give policymakers and local partnerships a current ‘state-of-play’, exploring key debates and insights to inform the design of effective interventions for cultural development and infrastructure.

“The UK’s centralised economy disproportionately impacts those areas with weaker cultural infrastructure. Increased competition over fewer resources, in relation to local authority expenditure for non-statutory services, coupled with changes in audience behaviour is providing significant risk to sustainable cultural infrastructure, particularly in places where it is already weak.” Dr James Davies.

Please reference this paper as:

Davies, J. (2024). Cultural Recovery Evidence Review. The Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub.

Examining the Evidence on Place‑Based Research Partnerships: Towards a Set of Principles for Successful Partnerships

This evidence review brings together academic and practice‑based literature to understand what makes place‑based research partnerships work effectively. It identifies the outcomes these partnerships can deliver, the infrastructure and systems that support success, the skills and expertise required, and the behaviours and values that underpin strong collaboration. The review also

Regional Pathways to Net Zero: Energy and Emissions Intensities in the UK From 2015-2023

This report examines how UK regions’ GVA is becoming decoupled from energy inputs and emissions. Using data related to economic activity (GVA), energy inputs and emissions generated between 2015 and 2023. Nationally, GVA increased by 13 per cent over this period, with regional growth ranging between 7 and 16 per

The Future of Local Democracy – Devolution and the Need to Empower Town and Parish Councils

Dr Amy Burnett (LPIP Place Fellow), Dr Jason Leman (Citizen Network) and Dr Daniel Ozarow (Middlesex University) examine how town and parish councils could play a central role in making devolution work for communities. This discussion paper was developed following the National Association of Local Councils’ Power Shift Conference and

Community Empowerment and Living Heritage in 2026: Community-Owned Culture and Heritage in Local Growth Plans

This briefing paper was written at the advent of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill coming into action in the UK. The paper provides an initial provocation as to whether 2026 could provide the strongest mandate yet