Culture plan: Exeter must "hold nerve"
Exeter’s cultural organisations must “hold our nerve” and continue to drive cultural development according to a planning presentation by the Exeter Cultural Partnership.
In a major presentation at RAMM entitled "What's next for Culture in Exeter" the 100 strong audience heard short presentations covering the importance of culture to Exeter, the Rugby World Cup, the re-opening of the Exeter Library and plans for the city's cultural future and how these plans will be achieved. The feature presentation was from international authority on culture and place making Charles Landry, author of The Creative City.
Speakers included Ciara Eastell of Devon Libraries, Rosie Denham Exeter City Council's Lead Member for Economy & Culture and several other leaders of Exeter's cultural sector who spoke about Exeter's varied needs.
Dom Jinks, current chair of the Exeter Cultural Partnership, said that while recent years have seen a slow but steady increase in Exeter’s cultural development, low investment in the past means the city has historically punched below its weight for culture.
The Partnership, which represents more than 150 of the city's leading cultural organisations including libraries, museums, sports clubs as well as organisations from art, tourism, food and retail, now aim to drive Exeter forward as a culturally vibrant city.
With the support of Exeter City Council and the Arts Council of England, Exeter Cultural Partnership has undertaken an in depth consultation with the city's cultural sector to create a Cultural Action Plan for Exeter.
This Action Plan is one that is 'co-owned' with Exeter City Council, ensuring that culture is embedded in the plans that will shape this city in the future.
The plan has since been named as one of the top five priorities in Exeter City Council's five year strategic plan, as culture is seen as a key contributor to the future prosperity and growth in Exeter.
The Action Plan is a living document and will continue to develop over its life.
The partnership also aims to create better strategic dialogue between Exeter City Council and cultural providers to ensure that programmes, projects and events in the city maximise opportunities for everyone to explore and enjoy cultural activity of all types.
Ultimately the partnership aims to highlight Exeter as a Cultural City of Choice, making culture an integral part of the city's life as well as contributing to a major boost to the city's tourism spend and local economy.
Photos: Matt Austin photography
