With arts cuts biting harder than this month's winter chill, the Christmas period offers a perfect opportunity for arts, culture and heritage venues to make up a shortfall in takings at the box office. With families back together, some festive cheer (or mulled wine) in their bellies and with a little time off work, it's hard not to see why performances and productions up and down the country aren't bracing themselves for big smiles and bigger crowds.
But this year things are different. Retail experts have already warned businesses of empty coffers in the coming weeks, and with the spiralling costs of energy, food and with money to spend on presents, who has the pocket money for a family day out?
Our poll this week – will Christmas give the sector a boost? – has got you divided on the issue. Despite our steely sector's reputation for innovation, 61% of you voted no, believing a rather tough financial year means that everyone suffers, not least our arts and culture organisations. But 39% of you came to its rescue, thinking that arts companies and venues are smart and inventive enough to get the most out of the festive season.
But the future needn't be Bah! Humbug for all. While Christmas classics like panto are still pulling in the crowds, venues are also becoming more innovative with their holiday programming, offering up a range of family friendly events and activities with ticketing options designed to appeal to cash-strapped parents.
And remember: audiences aren't just for Christmas – give your visitors a good time and they'll give you their custom all year round.
So join us on Friday 9 December at 12pm as we ask our expert panel: how can our arts and culture organisations make the festive season a finacial success. Already on Twitter we've had some brilliant collaborations and truly innovative ideas – we're hoping to share with you some more so that you can prepare for perhaps the most financially tight Christmas season ever.
Panel
Peter Tullin, managing partner, CultureLabel
Peter co-founded CultureLabel in 2007. He previously brokered major FTSE arts sponsorships and is now focussed on creating new enterprises with CultureLabel's art partners. He made the Top 50 in the 2009 Courvoisier Future 500 Leaders and is a Clore Fellow for outstanding emerging leaders in the cultural sector. @CultureLabel @PeterTullin
Manny Coulon, director, IdeasForTheKids.co.uk
Manny is founder director of IdeasForTheKids.co.uk, an award winning website listing over 12,000 child and family friendly venues and attractions in the UK, helping parents and families find ideas for great days out. He is also a supporter of Young Enterprise. @MannyC @IdeasForTheKids
Thom Stanbury, administrative director, Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch
Thom has been administrative director of the Queen's Theatre since 2004, previously holding positions as a freelance stage manager and designer. His hobbies include motorbikes, tap-dancing and shouting "oh no it isn't!" as loudly as possible. @thomstanbury
Mar Dixon, consultant
An American 'mom' living in Shropshire, Mar is passionate about culture and ensuring kids of all ages have access to libraries, arts and culture venues. She is also a lecturer and archivist's wife. @MarDixon @culturethemes @kidsinmuseums
More to follow
If you want to nominate yourself or someone else to join the live chat as a panelist, email our community journalist Matthew Caines
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