press release

Study of King County proves it: supporting culture is who we are

4Culture’s Doors Open Culture and Communities Study tracks motivations, barriers, and impacts of participating in cultural activities

Summary

Participation in cultural activities by King County residents is nearly universal, according to a new, statistically-relevant study. In the last year, 93% of residents participated in at least one cultural activity in the last year. King County participation at museums and live performances is higher than the national average.

Full Release

“This is proof of something that many of us have known for a long time: supporting culture is who we are and what we do here in King County,” said Brian J. Carter,  Executive Director of 4Culture, the County’s cultural agency, which commissioned the study. The research was conducted by Wilkening Consulting, a Seattle-based research firm that focuses nationwide on museums and cultural institutions and their impacts. 

The study looked at participation in cultural activities, motivation for taking part, and the impacts of culture on communities and individuals. It examined participation in activities that are open and accessible to the public in arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science. Among its findings: 

• – 97% of respondents say cultural organizations make their communities better by improving quality of life, bringing people together, and honoring cultural diversity.
• – 95% of King County residents have personally experienced health and wellbeing outcomes from participating in cultural activities.
• – 93% have experienced other kinds of benefits such as gaining knowledge, increased empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking.

While access is widespread, the frequency of participation in activities is impacted by the barriers of cost and time. Residents, especially those under 40 without children, and families with young children, face the greatest cost concerns. Additionally, three out of five King County households have access and support needs, including mental health considerations, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and sensory sensitivities.

The study was conducted as part of the County’s Doors Open program which provides funding to arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science nonprofits through a 0.1 percent sales tax.

Quotes

“When King County Council unanimously passed Doors Open in 2023, we knew it would have a tremendous impact on our communities,” Carter said. “These results are highly encouraging and support the County’s investment in the sector – with nearly universal participation, Doors Open impact is county-wide.”

“In many ways, Doors Open has been as groundbreaking as we had hoped when we first implemented the funding,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a longtime champion of the Doors Open program and cosponsor which initiated it. “It is exciting to see such robust public involvement and support for arts and culture. I look forward to building our full evaluation plan for Doors Open so that we can continue to evolve the program to meet community interests and needs for access to arts, culture, heritage, preservation, and science programs across all of King County.”

“The evidence is clear: cultural experiences help build stronger, more connected communities and improve overall quality of life in King County,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “These experiences encourage human connection, cultivate a sense of belonging, and showcase our region’s vibrant cultural diversity. My administration will continue to work with 4Culture and other partners to reduce barriers to access and make sure that every community can take advantage of these opportunities.”

About the Research 

4Culture commissioned the study to measure public perception regarding cultural organizations and content; leisure time activities and motivation and barriers to participation; and individual and social outcomes such as health and wellbeing and quality of life. The study supports a deeper understanding of participation patterns, to move beyond attendance counts and understand how and why King County residents participate in cultural life. 

Additionally, for organizations as well as 4Culture, it sheds light on audience development, programming, outreach, and investment strategies. The research establishes a benchmark and is designed to be replicated over time to assess the impact of Doors Open cultural access legislation.

A countywide sample was collected to align with King County demographics and geography to ensure findings reflect residents across age groups, race and ethnicity, income levels, household characteristics, and geography. Two parallel surveys were fielded, including a representative general population sample of 963 respondents and a community-based organization sample of 1,787 respondents. 

Along with publishing a Doors Open Culture and Communities Key Finding Report, 4Culture will also publish  standalone reports on Audience Life Stages, Discipline-specific Audience Profiles, and Participation Audience Profiles.   

Links

Doors Open Culture and Communities webpage 

4Culture is King County’s cultural funding and services agency, supported by Doors Open, Lodging Taxes and the 1% for Art ordinance. With a focus on racial equity, we fund, support, and advocate for culture to enhance the quality of life in King County. To learn more about our programs–arts, heritage, preservation,  public art and science –please visit 4culture.org, email , or call 206-296-7580. We encourage you contact staff directly if you are interested in learning more about a specific program area.