The retail setting is evolving in tandem with visitor demand. Online shopping has transformed buyer behaviour, and city spaces are adapting to become more than just a shopping experience. From immersive art, to indoor water play, the experiences drawing the UK population to retail centres are completely different to pre-covid times. 

The latest research

Recent research by A Different View, Leisure Development Partners (LDP), MAPIC, and Panelbase.com and presented at Mapic 2022

Towards the end of the school holidays, and on another balmy summer’s evening in London, I followed many eager audience members from Woolwich tube station to No 1 Cartridge Place – Punchdrunk’s new venue in the East End of London. It was a much anticipated performance by the world renowned masters of immersive theatre.

For those of you who haven’t experienced a Punchdrunk performance, here’s a little essential information. The company which has been around since 2000 was formed by Felix

Nostalgia. That sentimental affection for the past that is often dubbed “the memory of happiness”. The momentary release from modern-day stresses via a flicker of the good ol’ days. A taste of the past that leaves a sweet taste in the present.

Whether it’s self constructed when looking through old photo albums from the 60’s, or evoked without request via an old school 90’s banger on the radio, we are all comforted by nostalgic thoughts and feelings in our lives. 

But how

Our recent work and research has revealed some recurring themes that are subtly, yet increasingly impacting the cultural sector and the way that organisations operate within it.

Here, we break down some of the trends that have come to the fore since emerging from the pandemic.

Nostalgia - engaging with new things born out of old

Amongst the explosions of all things new, like NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and the metaverse, people are increasingly returning to the comfort of their roots, and the

This month we spoke with President & CEO of The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SkyPac), Jeff Reed. SkyPac was created in the year 2000 by Warren County, has since been home to a plethora of shows, education programs, and community initiatives that continue to support major performing arts activities in Kentucky. 

Jeff humbled us with an honest account of returning to your fundamentals, acting with courage, and maintaining cautious optimism.

What positive learning did you take from