This report sets out the preliminary outcomes evaluation of the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 project.

Through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, it provides an initial understanding of the outcomes achieved across the following five impact areas: Arts and Culture; Place Making; Economy; Society and Wellbeing; Partnerships and Development.

This preliminary outcomes report forms an important output in the overall process of monitoring, research and evaluation to measure the impacts of UK City of Culture. Produced just weeks after the end of the UK City of Culture year, it should be considered an early stage assessment of the outcomes, with further evidence to be published in a final report in 2019.

Across the five impact areas, the project had the following nine main aims:
• to produce a high quality programme of arts, culture and heritage, helping to position the UK City of Culture as the quadrennial UK cultural festival
• to develop (new and existing) audiences for Hull and East Yorkshire’s cultural offer locally, regionally, nationally and internationally
• to develop the capacity and capabilities of the cultural sector
• to improve perceptions of Hull as a place to live, work, study and visit
• to strengthen Hull and East Yorkshire’s economy, particularly the cultural and visitor economy sectors
• to increase public and private investment and regeneration in Hull (both cultural and other investment)
• to improve wellbeing of residents through engagement and participation
• to raise the aspirations, abilities and knowledge of residents through increased participation and learning
• to demonstrate exemplary programme delivery and partnerships, establishing Hull 2017 as a blueprint for successful delivery.