Qual in Practice

Our arts partners explain the benefits and value of qualitative research to their organisations and talk about their research experiences.

Red Note Ensemble
John Harris
playing music with unusually created instruments

John Harris, Co-Artistic Director and CEO of the Red Note Ensemble, talks about how qualitative research opens up an understanding of the choices audiences make, why they make them and what drives those choices.

Scottish Ballet
Catherine Cassidy
Catherine Cassidy talking about Scottish Ballet

Catherine Cassidy, Director of Engagement at Scottish Ballet, talks about the impact of qualitative research on participants in its Parkinson’s dance programme.

Out of the Blueprint
Johnny Gailey
A collection of brightly printed postcards pinned to a wall.

Johnny Gailey, Manager, Out of the Blueprint, talks about the open-ended nature of the qualitative research process that can generate new thinking.

Magnetic North
Nicholas Bone
Actors reading text from books.

Nicholas Bone, Artistic Director, Magnetic North, describes the value of a qualitative research approach to both artist and programme development.

Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Irene Kiernan
Group discussion in artists studio.

Irene Kiernan, Director, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop talks about the different uses of qualitative research, including evidence for funders, staff planning and marketing. Irene began her new role as Director of Craft Scotland in September 2018.

Cryptic
Christopher Glasgow
Illuminated vintage sign on railway concourse.

Christopher Glasgow, Marketing and Communications Manager, Cryptic, describes a playful and creative approach to audience development research.

Glasgow Film Theatre
Lorna Sinclair
Box office sign inside theatre foyer.

Lorna Sinclair, Development Manager, Glasgow Film Theatre talks about ethical considerations as an essential element of planning screenings for vulnerable people.

Touring Network Highlands and Islands
Christine Hamilton
Ladies having tea and biscuits outside building in the sunshine.

Christine Hamilton, Chair of the Touring Network Highlands and Islands and Arts Consultant, examines the role that research can play in an arts organisation.

Creative Scotland
Clive Gillman
People in a gallery looking at a vintage campervan.

Clive Gillman, Director of Creative Industries, Creative Scotland, discusses how qualitative research informs investment and development decisions.