New LGA research revealing the value of a culture-led approach to regeneration will be the focus of its annual culture and tourism conference next month.
Research has shown creating places that people feel connected to and inspired by leads to improved health outcomes, and social contributions like volunteering and voting can be higher.
More importantly, they become great places to live and work, where people want to stay and visit.
Building is a key priority for councils – so as we build the homes of the future, we need to make sure we are creating communities and not just one-note housing estates that do not represent the best of what can be achieved. We also want to think about how we can bring new energy to existing communities.
Cultural activity can be critical to this. It can also significantly grow the local economy. But what is the key to an effective cultural strategy and unlocking those core benefits?
The LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport Board wanted to find out, so all types of places could set about achieving it. We were delighted that the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, an international cultural organisation, also recognised the importance of this research and helped co-fund it.
Only a few can become 'capitals of culture', 'cities of culture', or 'London boroughs of culture'. But the increasing calls for more and more 'titles' – a group of MPs recently called for a 'town of culture' award – show that politicians and economists alike are waking up to the value that can be realised through a strong emphasis on culture.
generated more than £1.1 million of economic activity in Great Yarmouth through the Out There Festival.
It doesn't matter whether you are urban or rural, large or small, economically successful or currently struggling to attract businesses – with a bit of planning, every place is capable of culture-led regeneration.
A shared vision with community and partners is an important foundation.
The cultural offer needs to be authentic for your place.
Councils may need to commit to cultural investment over the long term.
Shorter-term investment for cultural festivals can enable the development of institutions that will yield longer-term sustainable impacts.
Community involvement can be a powerful driver for culture-led regeneration.
Positive outcomes can be achieved with limited budgets.
catalysing new investment leveraging £35 million private funding for Dreamland, and attracting other new town centre investment including Tracey Emin's new studio.
cultural sector leadership through development of a shared strategy and building connections with national organisation and funders.
90 per cent of residents feeling an increase in community pride.
enhanced town image and community pride.