I help arts and heritage organisations to understand and demonstrate the difference they make.

Photo portrait of Eric Hildrew, a white, bearded, male with chunky glasses, flat cap, and blue jacket.

Over the past 20+ years I’ve worked in museums, galleries, theatres, and heritage sites, so I know my way around the cultural landscape.

I believe heritage and the arts can improve all our lives, but it’s not always easy to demonstrate or evidence this positive impact.

My goal as a freelance evaluator is to help organisations which do make a difference show how and why, so they can find the resources to keep doing so.

Portraits: Anneleen Lindsay

Jeremy Wyatt, CEO, The Gaiety

“Eric delivered an excellent evaluation for a major community arts project at The Gaiety Theatre. He worked quickly and effectively, delivering a well-written report with useful challenges and insights.”

Ivan Wadeson, Director, Manchester City of Literature

“Eric ran the independent evaluation for the Festival of Libraries 2023 for Manchester City of Literature. I was really pleased with Eric's work and would definitely want to work with him again. Great communication, sound advice and all on time and budget.”

Lynsey Slater, Curator, Heritage Doncaster

“Eric was an invaluable part of our National Lottery Heritage Fund project. His clarity and communication was invaluable. The final evaluation report has been vital in advocating for the collection and will be so useful for future funding bids.”