Recent research by Simetrica-Jacobs commissioned by Theatre and Dance NI (TDNI) shows their Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI delivers economic return for artists and Northern Ireland.
The research shows that TDNI’s Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI programme is delivering positive wellbeing, economic and professional benefits for Northern Irish artists, alongside a measurable return on public investment for the Northern Ireland economy.
The independent study, carried out by Simetrica-Jacobs, has found that artists who took part in the programme between 2022 and 2025 reported an average 25% increase in income following participation. Artists also reported that the programme helped them build international connections, secure new performance opportunities and gain exposure that contributed directly to higher earnings. The research indicates that for every £1 invested, the programme generates £1.12 in additional economic impact.
While based on a small sample, the findings represent an important first step for TDNI in building a longer-term framework for evidencing the economic and social value of such investment.
Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI is one of TDNI’s major development programmes which supports artists and companies at key moments in their careers, enabling them to develop professionally, build international networks and access touring and performance opportunities nationally and internationally. This includes participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the world’s largest and most influential arts marketplaces.
Niamh Flanagan, Executive Director of Theatre and Dance NI, said:
“This research, undertaken by a principal and senior economist at Simetrica-Jacobs – a globally recognised and highly respected research agency – provides early, but compelling evidence that such targeted support for artists can generate tangible benefits both for individual careers and for the wider Northern Ireland economy.
SJ’s research has provided us with a strong narrative about the impact of our Spotlight programme, linking qualitative evidence (networking, international exposure) with quantitative estimates of income change. This triangulation of data provides us with the evidence on the positive economic impact of the programme as well as insight on development areas.
Although the sample size is modest, this also offers a strong foundation for TDNI to continue developing a longer-term evidence base on the value of investing in talent, skills, and artist development. It also underscores the significant returns that a well‑designed and bespoke intervention can deliver.”
Using Northern Ireland-specific multipliers, the research estimates an average Gross Value Added (GVA) impact of £4,186 per artist, with approximately £1,500 directly attributable to Spotlight, based on artists’ own assessments. With an average current delivery cost of £3,769 per artist, the programme demonstrates a positive return under most scenarios.
Artists also highlighted the positive effect of the programme on their confidence and wellbeing, as well as its role in supporting career sustainability within the creative sector.
Niamh continued:
“Supporting and developing artistic talent is essential to a vibrant cultural landscape and a diverse economy. Understanding the economic contribution of programmes that invest in artists and companies helps ensure they receive the recognition and investment they need to sustain and grow their work.”
Augustin Lagarde and Daria Incarnato, Simetrica-Jacobs added:
“Connecting qualitative insights — such as networking opportunities and international exposure — with quantitative estimates of income change, we found a compelling narrative for Spotlight’s impact. We are grateful to the artists who shared their time and data with us, particularly at a moment when artists and cultural organisations are increasingly asked to provide information to meet funding requirements.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with TDNI and others across the sector to deepen the evidence base and highlight what truly matters: the well-being of the people at the heart of the creative community, and the audiences they engage.”
This study forms part of TDNI’s ongoing work to strengthen the evidence base and develop its impact framework around Spotlight on Theatre and Dance from NI. Future research will expand the dataset to further capture the wider economic, social and wellbeing impacts of the programme which has now expanded beyond the Edinburgh Fringe marketplace.
Read the full report here: TDNI Economic Impact Assessment