County Durham Cultural Strategy
Celebration
The County Durham Cultural Strategy, ‘Yeast in the Dough’, has been written to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of County Durham and build a platform for the future. It aims to inspire local people and nurture local talent; engage communities in cultural and recreational activity; stimulate the economy; enhance lifelong learning; increase understanding of the environment; and raise the profile of the sector. But above all the strategy wants to foster a sense of enjoyment and fun for residents and visitors!Vision
To ensure cultural activity plays a key role in the life of County Durham for the benefit of residents and visitors.Aims
The promotion and development of cultural activity in the County is seen as central to achieving four aims, previously endorsed by the people of County Durham. These are:- Promoting strong, healthy and safe communities
- Building a strong economy
- Looking after the environment
- Developing lifelong learning
- To support the development of strong communities by the provision of stimulating activities, improved facilities and opportunities for all which promote safe and healthy lifestyles.
- To work towards making County Durham a premier location for tourism and the creative and cultural industries for the social and economic benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.
- To actively encourage the conservation, preservation and access to the environment by maximising use of existing cultural resources and facilities and ensuring developments enhance the conservation and understanding of the County’s environment.
- To make cultural activity central to the lives of County Durham residents, as they pursue lifelong learning and acquire new knowledge and skills.
Quick Win Themes
Through consultation and discussion with stakeholders a number of over riding themes emerged as relevant to all four aims. These are:- Assessment of baseline position
- Transport
- Access, both physical and virtual
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Inclusion and equality
- Young people
- Funding
The Journey
In March 2001, the County Council and seven district authorities agreed to develop a County Durham Cultural Strategy, that would build on the areas many strengths, confront weaknesses, and ensure that individuals and communities have access to cultural opportunity in relation to their needs and aspirations.
At a stakeholder consultation exercise in the Autumn of 2001 it was agreed for the eight local authorities to lead on developing the strategy, with periodic input from the wider sector. Therefore, the County Council and the district authorities of Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, City of Durham, Easington, Sedgefield, Teesdale and Wear Valley, came together to steer the County Durham Cultural Partnership.
A strategic steering group of representatives from all local authorities maintained an overview of the strategy development, while four working groups of officers specialising in the four key areas met regularly to develop the aims and ensuing action plans. Elected members were regularly updated on the development of the strategy.
It was recognised at a stakeholder consultation exercise that young people were not represented, but as the future of Durham County their involvement was essential to developing cultural provision. Therefore in April 2002 a lively ‘Agenda Day’ was set up with young people from across the county by the Investing in Children project. The purpose was to discuss ‘culture’ and young people’s aspirations for cultural provision within the county. Actions for further active involvement of young people were subsequently built into the plan. At the Agenda Day a written promise was given by the Partnership to the young people for continued involvement. A report from the day, written by young people, was discussed with members of the steering group, and views expressed were incorporated in the strategy.
A further consultation exercise with stakeholders in July 2002 examined the draft strategy and amendments were made to the strategy and action plan in the light of comments made on the evening and subsequent feedback.
Delivery
The process of developing this strategy in itself has been a major achievement, with local authorities and other stakeholders agreeing to continued joined up working, at both strategic and local levels.
The strategy is a broad framework with actions which the County Durham Cultural Partnership has agreed are important for the County. The strategy exists as a benchmark for local authorities and other sector partners to frame their cultural action plans. District by district and organisation by organisation there will be differing priorities and differing forms of cultural planning. Organisations are developing their own cultural delivery plans, while others will have appropriate cultural actions in wider strategies, such as community plans.
The County Durham Cultural Partnership will itself drive some of the actions, with assistance from time limited action groups. The action groups will draw upon the wider sector including private enterprise, and voluntary/community groups to deliver particular projects. Using this approach we can learn by building upon good and bad practice from across the sector.
This strategy is essentially a living document to be delivered over a 10 year period, and it is recognised that priorities may change, and actions may be reviewed or updated in the light of external influences during that time. The actions in the plan are to be carried out in either the short term 1-2 years, medium term 3-5 years or long term 6-10 years.
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County Durham Cultural Strategy.pdf (56 pages, 2647kb)
Date of publication: September 2002
