FESTIVALS and fun will be the order of the day under civic chiefs' new cultural strategy up to 2030.
The city council aims to nurture events with the help of Winchester University to boost the local economy.
As previously reported, council officers and Cllr Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture, organised a group of organisations to develop festivals across the district.
The strategy was approved at the Winchester City Council cabinet meeting on Thursday, March 14.
READ MORE: Winchester City Council to approve latest cultural strategy
The partners, including The Nutshell, Play to the Crowd and Hampshire Cultural Trust, have co-designed the plan, which, by 2030, aims to have developed a youth movement, attract external investment, have a growing number of festivals and events attracting new and existing audience, and boost the health and wellbeing of residents.
During the meeting, Cllr Thompson said that the university had volunteered to help establish a cultural hub for the district.
She said: “I think the fact that (they) have put their hands up and said they are willing to take on this role of creating this creative and cultural hub is fantastic, so I would like to thank the University of Winchester for that. And I look forward to hearing more about that when we have concluded our talks with them.”
Cllr Jackie Porter said: “I think it is a really great paper. I think it has really moved us on from everything being done by the council to everyone instead taking responsibility for themselves. I am sure most councillors will have been involved in trying to set up events and taking part in events, and it is about everybody having the confidence to take that role as well. So I really welcome the principles in this paper, as it allows us all to seek help if we need it”.
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Leader of the council, Cllr Martin Tod, said: “Culture is such an important part of this city and this district, it is part of what makes the place special. While it has such an impact and I was very encouraged by this paper. I have heard many good things about the team who helped put the paper together, they have made a real difference here.”
The cabinet approved the cultural strategy.
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