A new vision for the role of culture and creativity in the life of Nottingham as a city is outlined in a document produced by the city’s Strategic Cultural Partnership.  The Cultural Statement and Framework for Nottingham is being submitted for adoption by Nottingham City Council at the Executive Board meeting on 24 October.  The document has been developed over the last eighteen months through extensive public consultation and engagement.

The Cultural Statement and Framework recognises the role that culture already plays in Nottingham now, and, more importantly, looks at the way in which access to opportunities in the creative arts can be used to better fuel the future economic, educational and social prosperity of the city.

The Framework also underpins the current work on Nottingham’s bid to be European Capital of Culture 2023. Nottingham’s bid will be submitted to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 27 October, with the announcement of shortlisted cities expected in late December.  Nottingham is competing against other UK cities: Dundee, Leeds, Milton Keynes, and Belfast/Derry.

The Strategic Cultural Partnership is chaired by Paul Russ, Chief Executive of Dance4, and is made up of the following organisations:

  • Nottingham City Council
  • Nottingham Lakeside Arts
  • New Art Exchange
  • National Justice Museum
  • Nottingham Playhouse
  • Marketing NG
  • Broadway Cinema
  • Theatre Royal Concert Hall
  • Dance 4
  • Nottingham Contemporary
  • Inspire
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • UNESCO City of Literature
  • PRIMARY
  • City Arts

The Framework comprises five themes, outlining the future ambition for culture in Nottingham, to be achieved over the next 10 years.  These themes are:

  1. Quality – every person in Nottingham will engage in cultural activity that is recognised internationally for its quality and diversity
  2. Education – culturally-inspired lifelong learning will be available for every person in Nottingham, and schools will be supported to develop a world-class cultural learning offer. Every child and young person in the City will have opportunities to develop their own creativity and access creative skills and careers
  3. Place – every person in Nottingham will enjoy public spaces enriched by culture, have opportunities to lead, make and share cultural activity, and have a greater sense of civic pride in their city
  4. Economy – the people and organisations in Nottingham’s creative and cultural industries are thriving, job numbers and inward investment in the creative economy have increased, and culture is recognised as a driver of the city’s knowledge and visitor economy.
  5. Health & Wellbeing – Nottingham is developing cultural programmes, research and partnerships that enhance the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents

Paul Russ (Chief Executive of Dance4) and chairman of Strategic Cultural Partnership said

“This is an important development for the city and represents a significant milestone for the role and place that culture and the creative industries are now contributing to the life, vibrancy and liveability of Nottingham.   The Cultural Statement and Framework is a call to action to artists, citizens and cultural organisations to all find a positive new collaborative approach to contribute towards the city’s future”.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at Nottingham City Council, said:

“We welcome the work undertaken by the Strategic Cultural Partnership to bring together this new Cultural Statement and Framework.  The framework provides a great platform for all partners to work towards, to enable everyone living and working in Nottingham to have an enriched life through deepening their access to the arts and culture in the city.  Nottingham is blessed to have such a creative and vibrant cultural scene, be it in its music, visual arts, literature and performance arts.”