Failure seems to be the hardest word to say

Policy interventions, to increase participation, have long been informed by data demonstrating inequity in the subsidised cultural sector. However, it is less clear how evidence employed judge success or failure of initiatives create greater equity. Indeed, quantitative surveys suggest a change patterns participation. Despite this large body evaluation reports celebrate ‘success’ participatory projects. This article presents findings from UK research that explores participation policies might be improved better acknowledgment failures. The involved interviews, questionnaires, workshops, observations and documentary analysis involving over 200 policymakers, practitioners, participants. It identified policy landscape not conducive honesty critical reflection argues without will persistently fail learn deliver scale required equity professes desire.