A recent study by the University of Surrey, in partnership with the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford; Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village, Compton, and The Lightbox gallery and museum, Woking, shows that for every £10 spent at these venues, the local economy benefits, on average, by a further spend of up to £13.28, mainly in the retail, and food and drink sectors.
The report also finds that nearly 70% of visitors would not have visited the areas otherwise, indicating the importance of the existence of these organisations and their notable contribution to local footfall and spend. A executive summary of the report is attached.