RESIDENTS are being asked to take part in a Wiltshire Council survey that will help shape the authority’s new 2024-2030 Cultural Strategy.
The strategy is in part funded by Arts Council England, to place culture and creativity at the heart of Wiltshire’s economic and social future.
A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said, “Culture is a way to reconnect people with the places they live, providing a sense of belonging and contributes to health and wellbeing and connects 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.
“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.”
The strategy is designed around five key themes:
• Economy – Culture is a central pillar of the council’s 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.
Leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for Arts, cllr Richard Clewer, 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.”
South West area director for Arts Council England, Phil Gibby, 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 that require a paper copy of the survey, can pick one up from their local library. An online version of the survey can be found on the Wiltshire Council website https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/have-your-say-on-wiltshires-emerging-cultural-strategy
The survey runs until Sunday 24th March at 11:59pm.
