The performing arts sector is one of the sectors most severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis with theatres forced to close their doors for months and many of the (often freelance) workforce unable to continue working.

As the sector started to re-open this summer we were delighted to be commissioned by the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) to work with them on their ‘State of Play’ sector research study.

This national study will provide FST with the vital feedback it needs to hear from the sector as they work together to rebuild and recover. Specifically, the research will provide new information on the health of the sector at this critical time, covering a wide range of topics including equality and diversity, climate action, policies and working practices, the impacts of Covid 19 and aspirations for the future.

The results will be used to inform a new Scottish Theatre and Dance strategy which FST is leading the development of, as well as providing insights to support their wider decision making and advocacy work. The study will also establish measures which can be used as a baseline to measure changes in future, with surveying repeated periodically to obtain an update from the sector.

Fieldwork has just completed - this involved two separate online surveys, one targeted at organisations in the sector and the other completed by individuals working in the sector. We are delighted with the response received and are now working with FST to analyse, interpret and report the findings. Look out for more updates in the near future.

If you’d like to find out more about this study or other research we are undertaking in the arts and culture sectors please get in touch.