Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Culture and the Economy, presented the report regarding the development a borough-wide culture strategy which sustained innovation, supported economic development and contributed to a “wellness” model of community health and wellbeing. She thanked officers and Curated Place, as well as community groups and cultural partners who had co-produced the strategy. Councillor Morris confirmed the Overview and Scrutiny recommendation had been met, and confirmed that this was realistic but ambitious, and saw the borough working as a cultural ecosystem to bid for funding opportunities.
Members discussed the report, noting their approval and the importance of culture being acknowledged in the strategy as large, formal, more traditional activities as well as smaller, local events. Members also noted that the structure underpinning this would be important.
Decision:
Cabinet approved the Strategy and agreed implementation in accordance with the proposed action plan.
Reasons for the decision:
This strategy will provide a framework to maintain and enhance the profile of the borough’s culture offer and inform the wider economic development and Wellness strategies under development.
Other options considered and rejected:
The strategy has been subject to extensive review and development with partners over the last 12 months. Earlier work has been considered by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee whose comments have informed the final proposals.