Development of the Spanish Theatre Geo-Database: a comprehensive tool for cultural infrastructure analysis

Abstract

The cultural sector plays a significant role in economic and social development, contributing to approximately 3% of the world’s GDP. Despite its importance, detailed spatial analysis of cultural infrastructures has been hindered by a lack of comprehensive databases. This study presents the development of the Spanish Theatre Geo-Database, a unique dataset that integrates geospatial and cadastral information on public theatres in Spain. By combining data from the Spanish Cadastre and Redescena (the Spanish Network of Public Theatres), this database provides a replicable tool for analysing spatial endowment of cultural infrastructures. The methodology, although tailored for Spanish theatres, is highly adaptable and can be applied to other infrastructure studies. Four indicators—Theatre Density Rate (TDR), Theatre Area Rate (TAR), Public Building Density Rate (PBDR), and Public Building Area Rate (PBAR)—are proposed to quantify public investment in cultural facilities. The results reveal marked territorial heterogeneity and statistically significant spatial clustering, especially for theatre density, patterns that remain robust under sensitivity checks. These findings underline the importance of integrating cultural infrastructure into spatial planning agendas, while also highlighting the need for more complete data to fully capture regional differences. Future work could extend the dataset to additional variables and territories, enabling more precise analysis and evidence-based cultural policy both in Spain and internationally.