Open House Festival 2023 Evaluation Results
Social impact outcomes and measuring the sheer scale of the festival
Was this the best Open House Festival yet? Not just the big numbers achieved across the whole of London, but the quality of experience seems to suggest it was. We like to describe our much-cherished festival as an agent of community cohesion, wellbeing and learning. Across every Borough of London, 710 people opened their places to an estimated 226,858 visits, who spent around £7million in the local economy.
Those are the quantitative numbers, and the qualitative were even better – a stunning 98% enjoyed their visit, and the same number would recommend it to friends. 61% felt more connected to London as a result of the festival and 51% said it improved their view of London. The most common feelings visitors reported during their visit were interested (83%), curious (72%), connected to London (61%) and impressed (61%) but also happy (60%) and included and connected to other people (57% combined). And 54% were up for learning more, they said Open House Festival encouraged them to research one or more of the buildings or areas.
Many will have noticed the reappearance of iconic buildings such as BT Tower and 10 Downing Street and in the introduction of new buildings such as Tower Bridge Moorings. In total, we put together 18 different collections and 14 special neighbourhoods and most visitors used these to plan their festival. Our range of new Guest Curators and City Curators ensured that new, diverse and younger voices added depth of interest and new perspectives to the places that were featured and the stories told. Our Guest Curators explored themes such as food and how connecting architectural spaces with diasporic eateries within the city can change our experiences of a neighbourhood. Similarly, the City Curators produced collections and events that championed lesser known architectures within the city.