Image of Angel, Critical Mass 2021 by Lensi Photography
What were Indigo required to do?
Indigo was commissioned as the lead evaluator of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Their role was to produce an overarching evaluation assessing community engagement, the programme of events, key outcomes, and the Festival’s economic impact on the city and region. Additionally, they were tasked with creating three Case Study reports focusing on Co-Creation, Skills Development, and the Untold Stories of Birmingham and the region.
What did we do?
Indigo conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Festival, examining its reach, impact, and legacy. They assessed the contributions of 993 organisations and a 4,954-strong workforce in curating 165 unique projects. Their analysis explored how the Festival engaged communities, disrupted traditional narratives, and celebrated local talent on a global stage.
What were the results?
The evaluation highlighted the Festival’s success as an audacious, playful, and inclusive cultural event. It demonstrated how the programme empowered people from Birmingham and beyond, attracting millions of participants and leaving a lasting impact on the city’s cultural and economic landscape. The findings provided valuable insights into co-creation, skills development, and the region’s untold stories, reinforcing the Festival’s legacy.
"Indigo’s expertise, thorough approach, and deep understanding of cultural impact allowed us to capture the true scale and significance of the Festival. Through their comprehensive evaluation, they provided critical insights into community engagement, economic impact, and the transformative power of the Festival’s programme. The work has been instrumental in shaping understanding of the Festival’s legacy. Indigo’s professionalism, dedication, and ability to translate complex data into meaningful narratives have been outstanding. We are incredibly grateful for their work in highlighting the success and long-term impact of Birmingham 2022."
Rachel Magson - Strategic Partnerships Manager, B2022 Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme