Not for the likes of you

In 2001 RCMG were commissioned by Arts Council England in partnership with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund to undertake a research audit to advise cultural organisations on how to develop more inclusive messages and thereby broaden their audiences.

Key findings

Not for the Likes of You took place at a time of growing awareness of the multiple barriers that exist to exclude different audiences from participating in and enjoying cultural activity. These may be physical, intellectual, cultural, emotional, or financial. The audit was based on the belief that organisations must adopt a holistic approach to identifying why certain communities are under-represented in their visiting profiles and develop proactive and informed approaches to become more inclusive. It also looked at the messages, direct and indirect, which are broadcast by cultural organisations and which may also create barriers, including promotional material, buildings design, signage and interpretation, programming, pricing polices and staff.

Outcome

Not for the Likes of You: A Resource for Practitioners (Report, 2001) (PDF, 797kb)