The toolkit has two key elements:
 
1. The standard definition of the Cultural Sector .

The standard definition outlines a conceptual framework for the Cultural Sector based on an underlying logic of the cultural cycle, analogous to the production chain, and seven domains (sub-sectors) which are recognised as making up the Cultural Sector.

• Given that cultural activities have been defined in the toolkit using a particular conceptual framework, it is worth checking some of these aspects before proceeding. The cultural domains and activities are listed under the definitions page. It is worth looking at these to ensure that your idea of the sector matches.
• The arts and creative industries sectors are slightly different in that they are comprised by grouping a number of different domains (sub-sectors) within the framework. Defining them in this way ensures consistency in the collation and interpretation of data. Please view these definitions via the links if you are unsure of this structure.

The cultural cycle concept establishes the depth of the Cultural Sector by identifying the interlinked activities that collectively define each domain. It is worth viewing this concept under the cultural cycle table (PDF 21kb) before proceeding.

2. Data sources, availability, and how to use them.

The data sets are grouped according to themes e.g. labour market, users and audiences, gambling and the national lottery, attitudes and attendance, economic performance and education and training.

By accessing individual data sets within the above groups, the toolkit links you to the source of the data required for a given query. In most cases this is a general link from which you will have to navigate further (this is due to the fact that links to direct sources can be subject to regular changes).

Further information about availability and reliability of the data is accessed from the individual data pages e.g. view total number employed and select the 'more information' link.

Before you start!

Essential Information

• The government data sets provide the most robust and reliable statistics, while the non-government data sets are cited as a useful source of additional or peripheral information.
• Regional aspects of the data sets are documented under the 'more information link' within each data link.
• Sometimes a data query will require additional information before the user can access the appropriate data set. In particular labour market data and economic performance data, will require a user to define standard industrial classification (SIC) or standard occupational classification (SOC) codes before being able to access data.  These codes are listed by domain in the following tables - SIC codes table and SOC codes table.
• The SIC table lists activities by function and domain however this structure is not rigid. While it is recommended that domains be adhered to, users may wish to regroup or dissect activities listed by function (e.g in exploring employment activities within the dissemination function of a domain, you may include the SIC codes of archiving and preservation activities on the understanding that in essence one preserves/archives to make available. As long as you are clear about what you use, in this instance, the SIC codes listed from both functions this should not preclude comparability of analysis of employment activities with a user who does not include archiving/preservation within dissemination).
• Other classifications that a user may require to further define a query are ethnic classifications, geographical classifications, and/or socio-economic classifications.

Recap

1. Identify your sector -  domains.
2. Choose your data -  view data sets.
3. Follow the guidance in the 'how do I do' this section of each data source.