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It’s been the subject of a thousand research papers but the answer remains elusive. What is the real value of the contemporary visual arts? Arts consortium North by NorthWest commissioned Creative Concern and Rebanks Consulting to find the answer. Using the arts organisations in Lancashire and Cumbria as the test case, the end result has been an engaging new report, ‘Why Art Works’.

The report demonstrates how the arts have become vital economic drivers for growth in tough economic times, playing a key role in shaping perceptions and encouraging investment. As well as offering value for money to local communities, the consortium of arts institutions play a critical role in developing a vibrant cultural offer that is appealing to both employers and investors. This 'place making' ultimately creates a more competitive environment that attracts highly skilled workers and visitors.

What’s more, the North by NorthWest organisations deliver their contemporary visual arts programme for the equivalent of £1.45 per head of local population per year – less than 3p per person per week.

Rebanks Consulting led on the report narrative while Creative Concern worked to edit and design a high impact report and a range of tools to support the network communicate the real value of the contemporary visual arts. These can be seen at: www.nbynw.squarespace.com