Proven Experience Across Australia’s Creative and Cultural Industries

Lonergan Research has a strong track record delivering complex, policy-relevant research across Australia’s creative and cultural sectors. Our work spans national studies, cultural infrastructure and precinct development, and strategic reviews of major arts and cultural institutions.

We support evidence-based decision-making at both strategic and operational levels, enabling governments and organisations to align investment, programming, and policy with audience needs and sector realities.

Trusted Partnerships with Government and Cultural Institutions

We have partnered with key government and sector bodies, including Creative Australia and Create NSW, as well as major cultural precincts and institutions across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane (Southbank, Brisbane and Federation Square, Melbourne).

These engagements have focused on:

• Understanding patterns of cultural participation and creative engagement
• Measuring the social, cultural, and economic value of creative industries
• Audience segmentation and personas 
• Informing audience development and sector growth strategies

Methodologically Rigorous and Inclusive Research Design

Our approach integrates large-scale quantitative research with targeted qualitative methodologies to deliver both breadth and depth of insight.

We place a strong emphasis on inclusive and culturally appropriate research practices, ensuring representation across Australia’s diverse communities. This includes extensive experience engaging:

• First Nations communities
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) audiences
• People with disability

Our methodologies are tailored to context and audience, including:

• Face-to-face interviewing in remote and regional areas
• Multilingual survey deployment
• Accessible research design aligned with universal design principles

From Data to Strategic Action

Lonergan’s work extends beyond data collection to deliver actionable, decision-ready insights. We translate complex findings into clear strategic direction across key areas, including:

• Cultural infrastructure planning and investment
• Creative precinct activation and place-making
• Audience segmentation and growth strategies
• Communications and engagement effectiveness

A notable example is our work with Creative Australia, where we developed a national audience segmentation model for arts and creative engagement. This framework enables stakeholders to:

• Identify distinct audience segments based on attitudes, behaviours, and motivations
• Tailor programming, marketing, and engagement strategies
• Replicate and apply the segmentation across different contexts and jurisdictions

Policy Impact, Service Design and Strategic Alignment

Our research supports the full policy and program lifecycle, from early-stage exploration through to evaluation and optimisation.

We have delivered studies that inform:

• Policy development and cultural strategy
• Service and program design
• Community engagement frameworks
• Investment prioritisation

These projects often require navigating complex stakeholder environments, balancing competing priorities, and translating diverse community needs into clear, actionable recommendations.

Longitudinal Insight and Impact Measurement

We bring strong capability in tracking and longitudinal research, enabling clients to monitor change over time and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

This includes:

• Ongoing audience and participation tracking
• Program and policy evaluation
• Impact measurement frameworks

These approaches are critical for understanding long-term shifts in cultural engagement, measuring return on investment, and demonstrating the value of creative sector initiatives.

Ready to Unlock Australian Creative and Cultural SECTOR Market Insights?

Partner with Lonergan Research for strategic, culturally attuned market research that empowers your business to succeed in Australia. Request a quote today to discuss your project with our expert team.