News from ASW

A new look to ASW's communications

Here at ASW we've been designing ourselves a new communications strategy to enable us to engage, promote and communicate with peers, individuals and organisations within the sector to provide you with better knowledge. We're hoping that monthly e-bulletins rounding up news and things of interest, along with 'The Art of Data' knowledge and services based emails, tweets linking to news and activity in the sector and at ASW, a blog generating conversation around audiences attending events in the SW and a new look website will help you keep informed and feel supported.

Free national training to help Build Better Businesses in the Visual Arts sector thanks to Turning Point

Following on from a training needs analysis that was completed by AUK and AMA a programme of workshops has been created to help Build Better Businesses within the Visual Arts sector. The training will enable those that attend to understand our data can provide evidence to grow, develop and sustain business. Click here   to find out more about the training taking place in Bristol and the full national programme.

Hotdesking

We've been busy tidying our St Nicholas Church office space to welcome in fellow professionals from the creative and cultural industries who need desk space, use of facilities or a different working environment. Hotdesks are available daily or weekly. To find out more information email Emily.bull@audiencessw.org

Audiences South West's Blog

We've started to write a blog about arts and cultural events that we attend in the South West to promote the activity happening in the region and the audiences engaging in it. Read the latest blog Priviledged previewers and culture vultures here . 

Sector News

Boosting philanthropy

Following on from Jeremy Hunt's announcement and details of the Catalyst Endowments to be made in order to support the arts and heritage sectors financial stability, ACE is working with the DCMS and HFL on funds to further support the sectors through match-funding of grants up to £5 million. Read ACE's full news story here . Following on from these announcements Arts Quarter has launched its latest findings from its ongoing Hidden Wealth research project. To download a copy of the report click here .

AUK consultation on benchmarking tool

AUK have started a consultation period on a draft list of indicators for their new free benchmarking tool for arts organisations. AUK are requesting that art organisations take 20 minutes to look at the list and feedback their responses to ensure that the tool represents the needs of the sector. The list can be accessed here  for you to see and feedback to AUK on. A full report on this can be read on AUK's website here .

Taking Part 2010/11 survey responses released

The Taking Part survey has been newly released the 2010/11 survey covering April 2010 to April 2011. This report releases information on engagement and participation in the cultural and sports sectors. Read the report here . Further analysis of the 2010/11 adult dataset and data for child participation will be published on 18 August 2011.

Community toolkit

Community Toolkit is a new online information resource for people who want to get involved in organising smaller, straight forward community activities. It addresses barriers to community volunteering, provides guidance on some legal, health and safety, insurance and planning issues. View the tool kit here .

The visitor's experience starts with their journey - make it a good one.

Last year's visitor survey completed by the SW Tourism Alliance found that travel information is one of the lowest ranked aspects of visitor's stays. Find out more here  and how to improve the experience.

This month we thought you'd like..... 

Can data save the world?

This article on the Nesta blog by Olly Arber is an interesting read that is evocative in understanding the potential power of digital social data to be used to assist our work further by making data accessible for social good. Read the full blog here .

What segment do you belong to?

We discuss segmentations of our audiences so often, but how regularly do we remind ourselves that we too are audience members? Try this new tool that allows you to take a test to find out which segment you belong to. Click here  to complete.

Did you get the Art of Data email?

This month we sent a few Art of Data emails to update you about our communication lines. Do you like having a pre-warning from us in regards to what we're up to and how we're working to benefit you? Or would you like us to get on with it and just inform you when it happens?