Covid-19 CARE Arts and Culture Database

At the outset of our project, the team had originally envisioned developing a database which would map innovation in service provision since lockdown began in March 2020. The database was to include both the new provisions developed by arts and cultural organisations to accommodate new engagement requirements, as well as how these were communicated to beneficiaries. We intended this to be a repository for our partners to share successful models of innovation and of mitigating risk around access for people at risk of experiencing mental health issues.

Based on these original ideas of use and purpose, and with a small sample of data extracted from our Survey 1, Wave 1 interviews, we began designing a test version of a database. As was always our plan, in early June 2021 we shared this version with our stakeholders and received feedback from them on possible uses and audiences. This feedback was invaluable.  

During the consultation we discussed who might use a database of this type and why. It was suggested to the research team that, by making visible the often-hidden best practice in arts provision for mental health within Liverpool City Region, as well as disclosing gaps in existing provision, the database could be used as an intelligence tool by local policy makers, such as the Liverpool City Region Culture Liverpool policy team. The database could also be used by arts and cultural organisations to inform future planning, by giving them insight into what’s working in the field of arts-in-health regionally especially when making strategic considerations for new partnerships. Another possible use would be that of social prescribing. The resource could be used by health care professionals to signpost and refer service users to activities happening locally. And lastly it was suggested that this resource could be used by individuals as a self-referral tool.

We did not originally envisage a database with so many uses, nor did we think that it could have the potential impact that we are now considering. The consultation with the stakeholders made it clear that this resource could not only be influential as a receptacle for   innovative activity which has taken place during COVID-19 lockdown; it could become a living resource which, with the right partnerships and funding opportunities, could act as a hub for arts and mental health care professionals and policy-makers to access data about local activity. As a result of this consultation, we have determined upon a 2-stage process for development and implementation of the database.

The first stage is already underway and will conclude at the end of January 2022 (when the current project funding is due to expire). With an emphasis on sustainable provision, we will produce a repository of successful innovations in arts and cultural provision in the Liverpool City Region developed during lockdown which have been integrated into hybrid provision post lockdown. Our aim is to provide case studies of successful and sustainable innovation from each of our 15 arts and cultural partners and to offer these as ‘living’ (visual or animated) models - rather than as text-heavy resources - to enhance accessibility and maximise ease of dissemination. We will also capture and make available evidence of wellbeing outcomes arising from our partners’ service evaluations. This database will initially be hosted on the COVID-19 Care project website and will be accessible to the public.

In the longer term, the second stage of our database development plans is to create a comprehensive website which would meet the needs of all potential stakeholders (arts and cultural organisations, health providers, policy-makers and mental health service-users), and allow for further collaboration across the arts and health sectors in the Liverpool City Region. This would be openly available and host a range of data and media resources to showcase practice and evidence, direct users to cross-sectoral professional training resources and employ a user-friendly navigation and interface structure.

As we move forward with our plans we hope to further engage with our partners, local policy makers and local arts and health consortia, as these groups are essential in the longevity and impact of this resource. 

Helen Bryant – Project Coordinator