Traditional leaning but open-minded, members of this group tend to be interested in and frequenters of a variety of artforms, as well as being keen am-dram enthusiasts.

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Explore the artistic interests and preferences of Commuterland Culturebuffs


Scope

Keen consumers of culture, this group has broad tastes, but with a definite leaning towards heritage and more classical or traditional offerings.

  • As regular attenders to the arts, they have amassed experience of, knowledge about and interest in a broad spectrum of artistic offerings, and are likely to attend a wide range of organisations.
  • They do have a preference towards the classical, but can be persuaded to attend contemporary, popular, mainstream and other cultural offerings, though a large proportion may take some convincing to try something completely new or ‘risky’.
  • Guarantees of quality are important, so classic or traditional productions and established performers and companies are seen as a confident option, and are consequently popular.

Artforms

Almost a third of Commuterland Culturebuffs attend five or more different artforms annually and they rank second only to Metroculturals for engagement with every genre.

  • Traditional programme offerings such as plays, musicals, opera, ballet and classical music are the core artistic preferences of this group, and the most commonly attended events, followed closely by art exhibitions.
  • Their broad cultural frame of reference means that they are also open to the less widely attended artforms such as contemporary dance and jazz, literary events, and video/electronic arts, but these are generally not as well attended as more traditional artforms.
  • Commuterland Culturebuffs lean slightly more towards visiting heritage sites than museums and galleries, but partake in both these activities in much greater numbers than most other groups, while at 34%, membership of The National Trust is higher than any other group.
  • Heritage sites and events are important for this group and they feel a sense of custodial responsibility towards conservation of cultural heritage — 98% feel that heritage sites should be looked after.

Participation

Participation in cultural and creative activities is as important to these amateur arts enthusiasts as attending events.

  • Already willing and active arts and cultural participants, they are open to a wide range of opportunities such as craft, playing musical instruments, dance lessons, painting, sculpting and photography, which help to enhance the sense that the arts make up a significant part of who they are.
  • Opportunities to either learn or improve artistic skills individually or collectively through tailored programmes, or performance opportunities will be taken up, as will any ad hoc opportunities to engage.
  • They participate widely in amateur performing arts activities and can be found wherever there are opportunities for public rehearsals and performances of plays and opera.
  • They have a much higher than average propensity to participate in street arts, carnivals and to practice circus skills, while photography and film/video making are also relatively popular.

other high engaged audience spectrum groups