New strategy sets out cultural vision for Winchester district until 2030
A new cultural strategy, which sets out a shared vision for the cultural development of the Winchester district until 2030, has been approved by Winchester City Council.
The strategy, written by the city council and co-designed by a range of cultural organisations, aims to document the district’s cultural offer and its benefits, encourage and facilitate collaborative work, and serve as a lever to attract investment.
The document sets out four priorities focusing on education and young people, placemaking, economy and creative industries and events and festivals, with an emphasis on partnership working.
Three themes underpin the strategy: considering environmental responsibilities, leveraging the benefits that culture can bring for residents’ health and wellbeing, and promoting cultural inclusion among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The strategy addresses new challenges that cultural organisations now face including heightened costs of living and disproportionate impacts of the covid-19 pandemic on cultural activities.
Alongside the stakeholder group, over 100 individuals working within or alongside the cultural sector have helped inform the strategy, and over 500 residents have contributed their thoughts on what culture and creativity mean to them.
The strategy will be delivered in partnership and intends to empower organisations, communities and individuals to create their own cultural and creative activity.
Speaking about the strategy, cabinet member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson said:
“The cultural and creative sector is hugely important. It can raise aspirations and develop local talent, it can stimulate economic growth and drive up footfall in our high street – but most of all it gives our residents a sense of pride in where they live.
“I’m immensely proud of this strategy, which has been shaped by a diverse group of organisations, to act as an enabler and as a facilitator to help to ensure arts and culture remains in our communities.”