The role of cultural strategies in local cultural decision making

Cultural DevolutionThe Future of Cultural Devolution in the UKPublication
Written By Culture Commons

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper examines the role of local cultural strategies as vehicles for driving creativity, participation and investment in the UK’s evolving devolution landscape. Drawing on a Culture Commons’ Knowledge Exchange session with contributors from Wigan, Belfast and Sheffield City Councils, it explores how place-based strategies can act as catalysts for change — uniting cultural sectors, local authorities and citizens around shared visions for growth and inclusion. The paper highlights innovative approaches to engagement, such as Wigan’s Fire Within manifesto and Belfast’s A City Imagining, and reflects on lessons for governance, evaluation and community voice. It concludes that well-designed cultural strategies can strengthen local democracy, attract investment and embed culture at the heart of civic and regional renewal.

Published as part of The Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK.

April 2024

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