Research results on cultural and neighbourhood participation

The researchers of MICT (University of Ghent) conducted a survey (november 2020 - february 2021) on the cultural and neigbourhood participation of 2.200 citizens of Ghent for Collections of Ghent. Next to that, the researchers explored the expectations citizens have of the CoGent-box, which will travel in 3 selected neighbourhoods in 2022. In this post you can read about the first research results.

© Stad Gent

Visiting museums in Ghent

The respondents visit on average a museum once a year. Athough they do state that they have the intention to visit more regularly in the future.

Reasons for visiting a museum

71.8% of the repondents state they visit a museum to learn more and expand their knowledge about culture and heritage in general. Nearly half of them (44.1%) said a museum visit makes them more happy.

Social cohesion in Ghent neighbourhoods

The most important assets for loving and caring about their neigbourhood are collaborating with neighbours but also helping their neighbours or being helped by them. More than half of the participants (58.6%) like talking with their neighbours when meeting them. In short Ghentians love being social in their neigbourhood of residence. They also love visiting neigbourhood events and parties.

The CoGent box

Finally, the researchers explored the attitude of the inhabitants of Ghent to the arrival of the CoGent box. For the time being, the people of Ghent are rather hesitant. They are open to exploring the box, but it must offer clear added value. In itself, this scepticism is not surprising, as the CoGent box is still a rather vague concept.

Hard to reach groups

A number of target groups are not interested in visiting museums and still need to be convinced to participate in neighbourhood activities. We would like to involve these groups in the further development of the project. Therefore, the researchers are currently drawing up various profiles or "personas", on the basis of which we want to actively involve and engage these specific harder to reach target groups.

For questions about this research, please contact Ben.Robaeyst@Ugent.be.