About this data

This data brings together two datasets collected in Summer 2025 and Summer 2026 which captured cultural production and cultural consumption spaces. Changes in data are comparisons from the 2022 data capture unless otherwise stated. The dataset is primarily intended to support exploration of the current distribution of London's cultural infrastructure. It enables users to analyse the location, type and open/closed status of cultural spaces across the capital. This information feeds into the Cultural Infrastructure Map which has an interactive interface to enable the user explore this data interactively.

To access the data from previous cultural infrastructure audits, please visit: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/cultural-infrastructure-map

Definitions

Cultural Production:

Places of creative production, where creative work is made, usually by artists, performers, makers, manufacturers or digital processes.

Cultural Consumption:

Places where culture is experienced, participated in, showcased, exhibited or sold.

Methodology

The data is captured using desk-based research including advanced web-scraping techniques, manual search processes, insight from the sector and AI. This has enabled a greater number of cultural spaces to be recorded compared to the previous 2022 collection. Data validation processes have also been strengthened, improving overall accuracy.

Due to methodological improvements, the raw figures captured in the original 2022 data collection are not directly equivalent to the raw figures collected using the 2026 methodology. However, for the purposes of reliable analysis the data has been harmonised, re-analysed and adjusted to align with the improved methodology. This ensures that the information is consistent and can be reliably compared and therefore valid for understanding changes over time during this period.

Limitations and considerations

While the data accuracy has improved significantly, there will still be spaces that have not been identified due to the limitations of data provided and the scale of the geography being mapped. It is therefore recommended that if this data set is used for research purposes that the categorisations are fully understood and it is augmented with additional localised data capture. Changes during and after the summer periods are less likely to be captured.

This dataset also captures cultural consumption and production spaces whose primary purpose or programming is to serve LGBTQ+ communities. It does not capture all LGBTQ+-friendly spaces in London and should not be considered a comprehensive inventory of the city’s LGBTQ+ spaces.

2026 data capture

Archives

Arts Centres

Cinemas

Commercial Galleries

Libraries

Museums & Public Galleries

Music Venues

2025 data capture

Artists Workspace

Creative Workspace

Makerspace

Creative Co-Working Space

Music Rehearsal

Music Recording

Theatre Rehearsal Space

Dance Rehearsal Space

Theatre

Fashion design and manufacturing

Textile design and finishing

Jewellery design and manufacturing

Making and manufacturing for the creative industries

Prop and costume making and hiring

Set and exhibition design and building

Disclaimer

GLA Intelligence uses a wide range of information and data sourced from third party suppliers within its analysis and reports. GLA Intelligence cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or timeliness of this information and data. The GLA will not be liable for any losses suffered or liabilities incurred by a party as a result of that party relying in any way on the information contained in this report. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database rights 2024. NOTE: The data is based on Ordnance Survey mapping and the data is published under Ordnance Survey’s ‘presumption to publish’.

Cultural Infrastructure Data 2025 and 2026