Doors Open Culture + Communities Study

We partnered with Wilkening Consulting to understand how King County residents participate in, experience, and value culture.

 

An illustrated woman with pink hair plays guitar and sings to three children sitting on the floor, each holding musical instruments, with colorful rays and dots in the background.

About the Study

The Doors Open Culture and Communities Study explores how King County residents participate in cultural activities, what motivates participation, what barriers exist, and how residents view the role of cultural organizations in their communities. The study combines a demographically representative survey of King County residents with companion analyses designed to help cultural organizations, policymakers, and advocates better understand community needs and opportunities.

“These organizations are not ‘extras’ – they are connective tissue. They create spaces where people encounter cultures beyond their own, build empathy, and feel a sense of belonging.” –King County Resident

About the Findings

Findings from the study explore cultural participation, motivations, community impact, wellbeing, and barriers across King County. Learn more and download the two-page findings summary.

93% Participate in Culture

Nearly all King County residents participate in cultural activities, demonstrating that culture is an important part of everyday life across communities.

Culture Improves Wellbeing

More than 9 in 10 residents say cultural participation positively affects their health and wellbeing while supporting learning, curiosity, empathy, and belonging

Barriers Remain

Many residents would participate more often if barriers such as cost, time, and competing priorities were reduced. Cost barriers are significant for younger adults, families with children, and lower-income households.

Explore the Findings

Explore the study findings through a series of reports and companion resources.

Two-Page Summary
A visual overview of major findings from the study:

 two-page summary (PDF)

Key Findings Presentation
A condensed presentation highlighting major findings, trends, and implications for the cultural sector:

 KEY FINDINGS PRESENTATION (PDF)

Graphic Report
The complete findings report, featuring in-depth analysis, charts, graphics, and detailed results from the Culture and Communities Study.

 graphic report (PDF)

Technical Findings Brief
Detailed methodology, findings, interpretation, and discussion:

COMING SOON

Companion Analyses

Discipline-Specific Report (zip) Participation Patterns Report (zip) Life Stages Report (zip)

Webinar Recording

Watch the recording of the June 25, 2026 webinar, featuring an overview of the study findings, a panel discussion of the implications, and audience Q&A.

 

About the Research

Wilkening Consulting was founded in 2016 by Susie Wilkening as an audience research firm serving the cultural sector, with a primary focus on museums. Cultural audiences are at the heart of their work. Wilkening studies what drives engagement, including motivations, values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

Drawing on more than 20 years of audience research experience, Wilkening Consulting is best known for designing and conducting the Annual Survey of Museum-Goers, a decade-long national research initiative undertaken in partnership with the American Alliance of Museums.

questions about the study?

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Contact the 4Culture Program Strategy and Impact Team at 4evaluation@4culture.org.