Sound Diplomacy Releases New Free Report: Why Impact Matters — 10 Practical Benefits of Impact Assessments
We’re pleased to announce we have recently released a new free report, Why Impact Matters: 10 Practical Benefits of Impact Assessments, exploring how impact data can help cultural and creative projects unlock investment, shape policy, and build stronger communities.
The report outlines ten proven benefits of conducting an impact assessment, designed to help governments, developers, cultural institutions, and investors measure and communicate the true value of culture. Drawing on insights from projects including ABBA Voyage (London), The Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh), Young Voices (UK), and Visit Fort Worth (Texas), it highlights how evidence-based insights can transform ambition into action and storytelling into strategy.
Turning Evidence into Action
Understanding the full impact of a cultural project is no longer a nice-to-have - it’s a strategic imperative. With the right data, cultural organisations can demonstrate how their work creates jobs, builds trust, strengthens communities, and shapes long-term economic and social outcomes.
The report provides practical guidance on how impact assessments can:
Strengthen community buy-in and stakeholder trust
Secure permissions for new cultural infrastructure
Align with philanthropic and funding objectives
Inform internal strategy and decision-making
Build credibility and monitor progress over time
Each section includes real-world examples demonstrating how data-driven approaches to cultural policy and investment can deliver tangible benefits for people, places, and economies.
Download the Report
Why Impact Matters: 10 Practical Benefits of Impact Assessments is available now as a free download via our reports area.