The Culture Network LCR Celebrates a Transformative First Year of Growth and Impact
The Culture Network LCR CIC, the new membership organisation championing the Liverpool City Region’s arts and culture sector, is marking a milestone first year since launching in Spring 2024. With 65+ member organisations and growing, the network has quickly become a vital advocate for the region’s creative and cultural sector—driving collaboration, supporting economic growth, and expanding access to culture across the region.
A Year of Impact – At a Glance
- 65+ cultural member organisations and growing across the Liverpool City Region
- £100 million+ contributed annually to the regional economy by member organisations
- £87 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) from the sector to the local economy
- 11.6 million attendees reached across cultural events in the past year
- 1.2 million participants actively engaged in cultural programmes
- 33,500+ cultural events delivered by network members
Collectively, member organisations contribute over £100 million annually to the regional economy. With the inclusion of members Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool, this impact rises even more dramatically to over £800 million. The network’s members (excluding the listed universities) employ more than 2,000 full time equivalent cultural professionals, contributing over £87 million in Gross Value Added to the LCR economy. This employment figure doesn’t even include part time, freelance or commissioned creatives!
Over the past year, members attracted 11.6 million attendees and engaged 1.2 million participants across more than 33,500 cultural events. The network has grown by 47% since launching, expanding far beyond Liverpool city. Notably, 67% of members deliver programming in the surrounding boroughs, with 25% based in those areas, ensuring that access to arts and culture extends across the region.
The Culture Network LCR has formed five member-led working groups focusing on Strategy, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access (EDIA), Joint Promotion, Metal’s Sustainability Network ‘Shift’, plus Participation & Skills. These groups have led initiatives that include hosting nine sector-wide roundtable discussions, engaging with the Culture Secretary during the Labour Party Conference, lobbying MPs and councillors on funding and policy issues, and contributing to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Civil Society Covenant.
“Our first year has shown the incredible power of collaboration across the region’s cultural and creative sector,” said Charlotte Corrie, Executive Director of The Culture Network LCR. “By speaking with one voice, networking and sharing resources, we’ve amplified our collective impact and are working hard to tackle major challenges together.”
“Arts & Culture is our bread and butter. We tell our story; we keep our city and the region on the map – locally, nationally, globally – that’s our superpower! Our city region’s culture speaks loud and proud—through our artists, our arts organisations, theatres, museums, galleries, film, comedy, music venues, and more.”
Connecting Audiences and Creating Opportunities
The network’s promotional platform, Uncover Liverpool, has become a key cultural resource—showcasing over 1,500 events, 500+ job opportunities, and more than 280 callouts for participation. A new purpose-built automated listings system is now live, enabling member organisations to have their events automatically added to the site—saving valuable time and ensuring consistent visibility for their programmes.
Across four network-wide gatherings—two in-person ‘Connects’ and two online ‘Catalysts’—over 680 attendees have come together to share ideas, spark collaborations, and build new partnerships.
Faye Dyer, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group said, “We’re really enjoying the increased connectivity, the shared voice, and the relevant, engaging updates from across the network.”
Zi Lan Liao, CEO of Pagoda Arts said, “It’s truly inspiring to see the shared knowledge and the unified voice we’re cultivating together. The opportunities we’re creating to connect, share, and grow are invaluable, and I’m so excited about what we can achieve in the future as culture organisations in Liverpool and the region.”
Looking Ahead
As it moves into its second year, The Culture Network LCR has announced plans to grow its reach and membership, plus support for members through areas like:
– Peer-led training and mentoring opportunities
– A comprehensive members directory
Meet The Network
To celebrate the collective strength and creativity of the network, member organisation First Take has produced a short film spotlighting the diverse arts and culture organisations that make up The Culture Network LCR. Watch the video here.
Want to be part of a growing movement supporting arts and culture across the Liverpool City Region? Learn more and explore membership in the Culture Network LCR CIC Membership Pack here or visit culturenetwork.co.uk.
