What Matters Most: How arts, culture and heritage deliver

This report demonstrates how arts, culture and heritage research at Ulster University contributes directly to the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government priorities. Drawing on interdisciplinary evidence from the arts, humanities and social sciences, it shows how cultural practice supports peacebuilding, addresses violence against women and girls, enhances wellbeing and health, reforms public services, strengthens the economy, advances environmental sustainability, and enriches education. The report argues for closer policy–research collaboration to ensure culture delivers measurable social, economic and civic impact.