The Exhibitions Group today launches a major new research report revealing the critical role temporary and touring exhibitions play in the UK’s cultural sector – and the urgent need for stronger strategic planning, impact measurement and sector-wide collaboration to unlock their full potential.
Commissioned by The Exhibitions Group and supported by Arts Council England, the research was undertaken by Cultural Associates Oxford and represents one of the most comprehensive studies of temporary and touring exhibitions practice in the UK to date.
The report, ‘Temporary and Touring Exhibitions Practice: Economic, Production and Partnership Models’, provides robust evidence drawn from a UK-wide survey, interviews with cultural leaders and expert roundtables. It identifies key structural challenges facing museums, galleries and cultural organisations while setting out ten practical recommendations to strengthen exhibition practice nationwide.
A vital but under-strategised part of the sector
Temporary and touring exhibitions are central to how cultural organisations reach audiences, build partnerships and generate income. However, the research finds that many organisations are not fully realising their strategic value.
Among the key findings:
- 69% of organisations do not include touring exhibitions in their strategic plans, despite relying on exhibitions to attract audiences and fulfil organisational goals.
- Over 70% lack adequate data to measure exhibition impact, limiting their ability to demonstrate value to funders and policymakers.
- Skills gaps, rising costs and post-Brexit logistical challenges are creating barriers to participation across the UK.
- Smaller and regional organisations face particular challenges accessing funding mechanisms and touring opportunities.
The research highlights significant opportunities for innovation, including partnership models, locally adapted touring exhibitions, inclusive pricing approaches and digital experiences that can reach new audiences.
A roadmap for stronger exhibition practice
The report outlines ten recommendations focused on four priority areas:
- Embedding exhibitions within organisational strategy
- Developing sector-wide impact evaluation frameworks
- Strengthening economic and funding models
- Building skills, knowledge exchange and digital capability
Together, these actions aim to support a more sustainable, equitable and evidence-led exhibitions ecosystem.
Sector leadership and collaboration
Reyahn King, Director of The Exhibitions Group, said:
“Exhibitions are the lifeblood of cultural organisations, driving visibility, audiences and public benefit. This research shows both the immense value of exhibitions and the clear opportunity to embed them more strategically across the sector. The findings will inform The Exhibitions Group’s future advocacy, training and sector support work, reinforcing its role as a national voice for professionals working in exhibitions.
We hope this report becomes a catalyst for collaboration, helping organisations, funders and policymakers work together to strengthen exhibition practice and maximise impact for communities across the UK.”
Supporting future sector development
The report aims to support cultural leaders, practitioners and funders to make informed decisions about programming, partnerships and investment.
The Exhibitions Group invites organisations across the cultural sector to engage with the findings, adopt the recommendations and contribute to a shared effort to strengthen temporary and touring exhibitions across the UK.
Continuing the conversation
The research will be explored in more detail at Exhibitions Connect, taking place in Sheffield on 28 April 2026, during the session ‘Exhibition Making Now: Strategy, Skills and Sustainable Models’.
Miranda Stacey (The Exhibitions Group) and Rachel Mapplebeck (Cultural Associates Oxford) will present key insights from the report, examining strategy, impact evaluation and skills development alongside the financial, logistical and geographic challenges shaping the UK exhibitions landscape.
