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Cultural Master Planning
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Cultural Master Planning

No corner of our planet is likely to remain untouched by the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.


The virus itself has taken lives, wreaking grief, fear and confusion. The subsequent lockdown has already destroyed jobs and businesses and threatens to destroy many more. An age of radical uncertainty has rushed in on us.


Nobody, anywhere yet understands the full scale of damage or knows what will happen next.


The cultural and creative industries - in the UK and globally - have been particularly hard hit. Among the first sectors to shut their doors, they may be among the last to come out of lockdown. The very existence of large parts of the sector is under threat, depending as they do on human congregation and on an ecosystem of freelance creatives and small businesses.


Over the past weeks we at BOP have attempted to ensure the safety and well-being of our people, whilst adapting to new ways of working. Some of us have experienced illness. Some have lost loved ones. All of us have witnessed at first hand the human toll of the crisis. Yet we have surprised ourselves: with our adaptability, emotional resilience and good humour. And we have been inspired by our clients and partners: their resolve, empathy and creativity.


As our collective thoughts turn to exiting the lockdown, there is a common theme to all our conversations. We may not know what will happen next, but we have a pretty good idea of the three steps we must take out of the crisis:


  • Relief. Surviving (or not). Ensuring the health and well-being of staff. Accessing national, local and sector support measures (a particular challenge for the creative sectors). Starting to plan the next two steps. Re-evaluating vision and purpose.

  • Recovery. Adapting and experimenting. Re-launching some activities. Experimenting. Planning for different scenarios, including future shocks. Building new relationships. Continuing to access external support.

  • Renewal. Re-booting. Restructuring. Rolling out new plans and models. Building in resilience for the next crisis.


Between Steps 1 and 2 the main question switches from ‘what can our country do for us’ to ‘what can we do for our country’? At each step there will be losses to bear, impossible decisions to make and big questions about our institutional and political capacity to agree on and work for the collective good.


In upcoming blogs we will be coming back to these questions as we work through them with our clients - and how they apply to practitioners, organisations and the sector as whole as well as to funders and government agencies.

Relief, Recovery and Renewal: navigating our way to a new kind of future

Nobody knows what will happen next, but we have a good idea of the three necessary steps out of the crisis.

May 13, 2020

Nov 11, 2024

Our research outlines a growth blueprint that builds on the BBC’s increased investment in West Midlands' creative economy.

How the BBC Can Help Accelerate the UK's Creative Economy

Poppy Lawrence Carr

Jul 26, 2024

How culture drives value through different stages of property and place development.

Culture Anchors Development

Jonathan Todd

Jul 10, 2024

Chief Economist Jonathan Todd reflects on the cultural sector’s role in new government ambitions.

Culture and Creativity: Changing Britain for the Better

Jonathan Todd

Apr 3, 2024

Summit in West Kowloon District sends message of international collaboration.

International Cultural Summit Hong Kong

Marianna Lemus-Boskovitch

Feb 16, 2024

Rachel Kuhn and David Hingley discuss three key takeaways from recent high-profile closures.

Why are City-Centre Attractions Closing?

Feb 15, 2024

Our team clears up a common misconception.

What is the Difference Between a Feasibility and Viability Study?

Rachel Kuhn

Jan 29, 2024

We at BOP are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Tim Joss in an accident last week.

Tribute to Aesop Founder and CEO, Tim Joss

Richard Naylor

Jan 23, 2024

Associate Director, Rachel Kuhn reports on Museum Connections Paris.

AI and Visitor Experience at Museum Connections

Rachel Kuhn

Jan 10, 2024

2023 was marked by our fastest-ever expansion. Our team reflects on this landmark year, highlighting key milestones and projects.

BOP’s 2023 in Review

Rebecca Davison-Mora

Dec 13, 2023

Our team shares how the framework behind BOP500 can power sustainable development in cities around the world.

Cultural Capability: Rethinking Culture for the 21st Century

Paul Owens

Dec 1, 2023

Senior Consultant Martha Pym travels to Casablanca to share how strengthening place and authenticity can ensure citizens have a place alongside tourism.

Africa Place Marketing Conference: Citizen Participation for Sustainable and Inclusive Territorial Marketing

Nov 22, 2023

Co-founder Paul Owens joined by regional panel to discuss the Gulf’s rapidly growing sector and exciting possibilities for international collaboration.

BEYOND Conference, Ambition and Transformation: Emerging Creative R&D Practice in the Gulf

Callum Lee

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By BOP Consulting

Paul Owens

Co-Founder and Director

Paul Owens is a leading international advisor and practitioner in cultural policy and creative economy. He is Co-Founder of BOP, and alongside his fellow directors he has pioneered now well-established methods to measure the impact of cultural policy. 

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Paul Owens - Founder and Director  | BOP
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Paul Owens

Paul Owens

Co-Founder and Director

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