Understanding the local reach of a cultural enterprise in Caernarfon

Wavehill was commissioned to assess the economic and social impact of Galeri Caernarfon, a non-profit community enterprise at the heart of the town since 1992. Our 2024/25 assessment explored how Galeri’s activities contribute to the local economy and generate social value through community programmes.

The assessment combined an analysis of Galeri’s financial data, surveys of visitors and tenant businesses, staff consultation and input-output modelling to provide a comprehensive views of Galeri’s direct economic impact as well the wider effect they induce through enabling other local businesses and encouraging tourism to Gwynedd. The study also reviewed data from Galeri’s three largest community initiatives to understand their social contribution to the local community.

Key Findings

• Supported 91 jobs and £2.79m GVA in Gwynedd and Anglesey; 100 jobs and £3.39m GVA UK-wide.
• Tenant businesses reported £2.03m turnover and 35 staff employed.
• 67,000 tickets sold across 2,200+ events; half of visitors spent in other local businesses.
• Non-local visitors generated £199,000 GVA.
• Community programmes delivered £125,000 social value, engaging diverse groups.

The assessment evidences Galeri’s wider role as a cultural hub and business catalyst – fostering local networks, supporting Welsh language use, and enabling wider participation in Caernarfon and beyond. Wavehill’s rigorous, transparent approach offers Galeri a baseline for ongoing impact assessment and comparison over time.