The Culture Network LCR CIC is marking a milestone first year since launching in Spring 2024. With 75+ 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. The stats below relate to 2023/24.
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, showcasing our 365 day a year cultural festival. Watch the video:
Across the Liverpool City Region, Culture Network members are driving positive change – embedding inclusion, sustainability, and creativity at the heart of their work.
These Case Studies highlight how organisations are turning shared values into action: building stronger communities, promoting equity, and amplifying cultural impact through collaboration.
Read the stories behind our Statement of Unity and explore Driving Meaningful Change member case studies that show what collective leadership looks like in practice.
Since launching in April 2024:
- Grown by 69% – now 75+ member organisations
- 18% of the membership are based in the boroughs
- 67% of members deliver across the six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region, not just Liverpool.
- £100+ million direct contribution to the regional economy (over £800 million including the University of Liverpool and LJMU)
- 2,000+ cultural staff employed (FTEs only – freelancers, part-time, artists, and the Universities not included)
- £87+ million Gross Value Added to the LCR economy (figure based on 2000+ FTE staff)
- 11.6+ million event attendees
- 1.2+ million active participants
- 33,500+ arts & culture events delivered
Strategic Leadership & Advocacy
- 5 Working Groups:
- Strategy
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA)
- Joint Promotion
- Sustainability (Shift led by Metal)
- Skills & Participation
- Round Tables on pressing sector issues
- Special events including hosting Culture Secretary Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP
- Lobbying activity across MPs, Councillors, Arts Council England, DCMS and more
- Board representation across multiple key regional, national groups and at the House of Commons
Shared Learning
- Access Manifesto Workshop with 60+ attendees
- Catalysts Online: Twice-yearly peer presentations
- Connect In Person: Biannual themed gatherings
- Ongoing workshops and collaborations with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDIA) and Race Equality Action Group
- Across our Round Table monthly events
- Via our exclusive Member only Monthly Bulletin
Networking
- 680+ attendees across Culture Network events in our first year
- 56 organisations represented at our launch
- 25+ in-person meet-ups and 4 full membership meetings per year
- Regular monthly events:
- First Friday Socials
- Round Tables
Joint Promotion: Uncover Liverpool
Uncover Liverpool is our flagship promotional platform, supporting member visibility through:
- Weekly Arts Bulletin (51 issues, 42% open rate, 12% click-through)
- Over 1,500 events promoted
- Over 500 jobs listed
- Culture Radar features spotlighting members of staff
- Automated events listings system, taking the time and effort away from members having to manually upload events.
Sectors We Represent
Our members span all creative sectors:
- Performing Arts & Visual Arts
- Literature, Poetry & Film
- Museums, Galleries & Heritage
- Comedy, Festivals, Markets
- Creative Tech, Architecture & Design
- Dance, Music, Combined Arts, and more
In 2025 and beyond, we plan to:
- Launch an annual members survey
- Expand training and peer mentoring
- Develop a members directory
- Integrate members automated event listings on Uncoverliverpool.com
- Enhance our digital platforms
- Increase joint programming
- Continue to grow the Membership across the city and the boroughs
- Grow our external partnerships
Want to join? Please complete the application form here
The Culture Network LCR 