Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council is creating a 2024-2030 Cultural Strategy, which is in part funded by Arts Council England, to place culture and creativity at the heart of Wiltshire’s economic and social future.
They want to hear people’s views by completing a survey, which can be found here – https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/have-your-say-on-wiltshires-emerging-cultural-strategy and runs until Sunday, 24th March 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Culture is a way to reconnect people with the places they live, providing a sense of belonging and contributing to health and well-being and connecting people with their communities. It stimulates growth, provides employment, and supports enterprise, making cities, towns and villages vibrant places where people want to live, work, and raise a family.
Wiltshire Council is designing the strategy around five key themes:
- Economy – Culture is a central pillar of our approach to economic development, regeneration, and the development of vibrant local communities
- Identity – Culture connects people with the places they live. It helps to discover more about our environment, its history, and its heritage
- Tourism – Culture is also a key component of our offer to visitors, both from the UK, and further afield
- Health and wellbeing – Culture contributes to both mental and physical health. It helps people get active. It stimulates minds, and encourages healthy, active, and engaged lifestyles
- Community – Culture brings communities together, whether it’s through village fetes, community fairs and festivals
As part of the development of Wiltshire’s Cultural Strategy, the council will be engaging with a range of stakeholders.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Arts, said: “We’re creating this engaging cultural strategy to showcase what a beautiful place Wiltshire is to live and work. Culture brings people together, and Inclusion is always at the heart of what we do as a council and we believe this strategy will bring our communities even closer.
“But we need our residents help to do this, and that’s why I’d urge people to take part by completing the survey and having their say. The feedback we receive is invaluable in helping us achieve these objectives, so please participate and let your voice be heard.”
Good access to culture forms part of Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan under its mission of wanting “Wiltshire to be a place where we all live well together.”
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “This moment is pivotal for the strategic development of arts and culture in Wiltshire. By 2030, our aim is for England to be a place where individual creativity thrives.
“This survey marks the beginning of an ambitious partnership with Wiltshire Council to bring high-quality cultural experiences to every doorstep. We encourage businesses, residents, children, and young people to share their thoughts and be part of the exciting journey ahead.”
People who require a paper copy of the survey can pick one up from their local library.
