Recognising and promoting the contribution that Staffordshire’s cultural heritage makes is the focus of a new county-wide plan.
The strategy is being set up to pull together the various aspects of culture, arts, heritage, sport and leisure that can help promote the county as a great place to live and work.
Staffordshire County Council wants to speak to local communities about what they would like to see in the plan and will also be working with district and borough local authorities as well as organisation involved in culture to compile it.
In addition, a series of information events will be held across the county in the autumn, where people can talk to officers and find out more about the cultural strategy.
The aim is to champion and help all aspects of culture to grow across the county from the grassroots level up and help attract inward investment from the private sector, regional and national funding bodies.
Meanwhile, the county council has pledged to continue investing in its culture,
The includes the new £8.7 million Staffordshire History Centre, due to open later this year.
Staffordshire’s country parks at Cannock Chase and Chasewater and the 92-mile Staffordshire Way will also receive investment and improvement to help people rediscover the natural beauty and open space on their doorstep.
We Are Staffordshire, established to promote Staffordshire as a great place to put down roots, invest, work, visit and study, is currently setting up a countywide film office. This three-year pilot project aims to positively impact and celebrate both the cultural development and visitor economy in Staffordshire.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “This plan is all about uniting cultural activities, services, individuals and organisations right across the county.
“Whether it’s libraries and arts, heritage or sport and leisure, they all play a role in shaping better social and economic outcomes, while providing huge benefits to residents.”
The plan will be discussed at a county council Cabinet meeting to be held next week More details can be found here.
