The Box, Plymouth’s museum, art gallery and archive, has delivered more than £100 million in health benefits since opening in 2020.
Per a press release, studies have shown that sustained and regular engagement by adults in cultural activities can lead to improvements in physical and mental health.
An independent impact assessment by Counterculture LLP has revealed The Box’s achievements in several categories, including economic impact and health and wellbeing, as follows:
The Box has delivered more than £100m in health benefits, including £52m in general health improvements for adults aged 30-49, and £46m in reduced depression and dementia incidence for visitors over 50.
Also, The Box has impacted the lives of young people with around 250,000 visits to date by people aged under 25.
As well as these health benefits, The Box has generated a £244m economic footprint and contributed £28m to the Plymouth economy, with 72 percent of all of The Box’s spending going to suppliers within South West England (and 100 percent to UK suppliers).
The Box’s economic impact
In addition, more than 100,000 hours of volunteering has taken place at The Box since 2020, with an estimated economic value of £1.1m.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “In just five years, this institution has generated nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in economic impact, delivered over £100m in health benefits, and positioned Plymouth alongside Britain’s premiere cultural destinations.”
Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Five years ago, we made a bold decision to invest in culture when many cities were cutting back. Today, The Box stands as proof that Plymouth refuses to accept second-best.
“This isn’t just about impressive statistics, though a £244m economic impact speaks volumes, it’s about transforming how the world sees Plymouth and how we see ourselves.”
He added, “The Box has given our city permission to dream bigger, to compete with London and Manchester on the cultural stage while never forgetting that our strength comes from serving local families who can walk through those doors for free every single day.”
Images courtesy of The Box
