The Arts, Culture, and Creative Industries Research unit conducts pioneering research that helps arts organisations, policymakers, and creative practitioners navigate the evolving challenges of the sector. By providing actionable insights, we empower stakeholders to adapt, thrive and drive sustainable growth within the creative industries.
We connect academic researchers with arts and cultural leaders to generate evidence-based knowledge on the social, economic and cultural impact of creative industries.
We investigate the role of arts and creative industries in driving innovation, employment and community wellbeing. Our research quantifies the economic, social and cultural value of these sectors, contributing to policy development in organisational practices.
We explore strategies to broaden and deepen audience engagement, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. Our research aims to identify barriers to participation and develop innovative solutions to reach underrepresented communities.
We work with arts organisations to foster resilience, innovation and sustainable practices. Our research focuses on creating adaptive business models, integrating digital tools and promoting operational strategies that drive efficiency and growth in the sector.
We examine how social marketing can enhance audience engagement and advocacy for the arts. Our research develops strategies for using digital platforms and emerging technologies to increase visibility, participation and support for creative initiatives.
Study at research degree or PhD at Deakin and shape the future of the arts, culture and the creative sector.
We bring together a team of leading experts from diverse fields, including arts management, audience engagement and cultural policy.
Professor Hilary Glow is an expert in arts audiences, cultural impact and audience engagement at Deakin Business School. Her research has influenced arts policy development through collaborations with government agencies and cultural organisations.
Associate Professor Kerrie Bridson specialises in marketing, audience engagement and branding within the arts and creative sectors. Her interdisciplinary research supports the sustainability and visibility of cultural organisations through innovative strategies.
Dr Anne Kershaw leads the arts and cultural management program at Deakin University. With over 15 years of experience as an arts manager, she focuses on organisational behaviour and collaborative strategies for cultural policy and program development.
We facilitate collaboration through multidisciplinary research projects, public forums, tailored consulting and knowledge sharing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Since 2017, Professor Glow and Dr Kershaw have explored ways to diversify arts audiences. Their work has led to an eight-task model of audience-centric practices, identifying how arts organisations can lead, adapt or avoid the necessary steps to engage diverse audiences.
This project investigates barriers and strategies for increasing audiences in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts sector. Commissioned by the Australia Council for the Arts, it examines audience attitudes and behaviours, aiming to strengthen cultural participation and understanding.
We’ve established strong partnerships with arts organisations, government bodies and professional associations to drive impactful research in the arts and creative sectors.
For over 15 years, Associate Professor Kerrie Bridson has worked closely with the Shepparton Art Museum on strategic branding, audience development and community engagement, helping the museum enhance its public profile and foster stronger community connections.
Professor Glow and Dr Kershaw have collaborated with Creative Australia and state/territory arts bodies to explore audience-centric practices and diversify audiences across Australian arts organisations. Their work, supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, involves key partnerships with peak bodies such as Australian Museums and Galleries Association, the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association and the Theatre Network Australia.
If you’re interested in collaboration and research contract opportunities, participating in research projects or exploring our work, please get in touch.
+61 3 9244 6275
