Achates Develops Strategy

What are cultural organisations for?

How do we decide which audiences we drive impact with and for and the value we create?

And how do we establish sustainable operating models in a challenging climate?

The question as to the purpose and value of culture sits at the heart of our approach to strategy development. We know that cultural organisations have long struggled to answer these questions and as a result our operating models are weakened and funding for culture limited.

To address this we have defined the elements that compose ‘purpose’ for culture sector organisations into our 9 Types of Impact for Culture and Heritage© and developed a range of unique tools to help put purpose in balance with the operating model. At the heart of our methodology is the Achates Triple Bottom Line© which brings an ‘assemblage’ approach. 

Our work spans impact evaluation, programme review, strategic model development and business planning, and place based cultural strategies.

We know that strategy cannot solve the realities of the context we’re operating within. But it can provide a clear and sustainable approach way to navigating these challenging times.

Click here for the full list of case studies for the Strategy division.

Whether you are looking for support as an organisation or a place-based partnership, Achates can help. To learn how we might support you, please contact our Deputy Director of Strategy, Naomi Chapman, at naomi@achates.org.uk for an initial exploratory chat.