Scotland’s first-ever study of Outdoor Arts, Circus and Spectacle is here! Commissioned by Articulation, it shows how OACS strengthens communities, boosts wellbeing and deserves real policy recognition.
Articulation, in collaboration with a research team from Queen Margaret University has created the first study to explore the impacts of Scotland’s Outdoor Arts, Circus and Spectacle (OACS) sector. This report has been commissioned by Articulation to address long-standing gaps in the policy understanding of outdoor arts, circus and spectacle by researching and documenting the current nature and scope of this work within Scotland’s cultural landscape.
The findings are intended to raise the policy profile of the practices explored as a vital, multi-skilled and uniquely accessible sector, enabling Articulation to advocate more effectively on their behalf. The report highlights how working in the public realm creates opportunities to engage broad and diverse audiences and to maximise public access to the arts. It calls for this contribution to be properly recognised at
the highest level and reflected in the policies of the Scottish Government and Scotland’s arts, events and education agencies.
We share these findings in a full report and a companion summary report that are now available to download below.
A Picture of OACS in Scotland
OACS in Scotland is vibrant and diverse – in artform and audience – and is fuelled by a creative, multi-specialist, resourceful workforce.
65%
of respondents used spaces in nature as temporary performance spaces.
70%
of respondents presented work in the streets for the general public.
75%
described their main audience as ‘all comers as part of the general public’.
92%
of respondents offered free shows in outdoor contexts.
About Articulation
Articulation is Scotland’s network agency for outdoor arts,
circus and spectacle. Its main charitable objective is to
support the advancement of the arts and culture, by their
promotion, improvement and encouragement of physical
performance – a term used to cover physical theatre, outdoor
performance and circus. Articulation does this principally
through research, advocacy, and strategic development
activities.
