Overview of the Think Kit
This document includes all the content and templates from the twelve recommendation sections of the Cultural Strategies Think Kit up to January 2026:
The following table provides an overview of each Think Kit section/recommendation and what is included:
| Recommendation | What is included in the Think Kit? |
| Models and Approaches We recommend a detailed analysis of ‘local authority’ and ‘culture trust’ approaches and processes and how they overlap, differ and align. | An interactive ThingLink with three prompt questions that lead to a series of information boxes that include further questions and examples. Three downloadable examples of briefs/tenders |
| Findable and Sharable We recommend creating an accessible database of strategies as a resource for insight and reflection | A link to the Cultural Strategies Dataset – an online dataset with 217 documents that was last updated September 2025. Links to previous versions of the dataset (a spreadsheet; an online database). |
| Access and Context We recommend cultural strategies are created and published following accessibility guidelines and explicitly ensure the accessibility of text and images, provide information on publication and authorship, and provide credit and attribution for content included. | An interactive quiz with ‘yes/no’ questions will help you assess the information required to contextualise and make a cultural strategy accessible. After you have completed the questions, you will receive an indication of the progress made towards ensuring accessibility and contextualisation.A link to the Examples PowerPoint. |
| Structure and Language We recommend identifying what the different parts of a strategy do and how they come together, and elaborating on what frequently used terms (e.g., aim, vision) cover and do. | An interactive ThingLink introduce some of the typical elements/sections that might be included within a cultural strategy and provide elaboration on some of the terms. A link to the Examples PowerPoint. |
| Methods and Consultation We recommend cultural strategies provide information for all data sources that clearly indicates the dataset being used and why and provide details on any consultation processes. | The Cultural Strategies Consultation Planning Checklist is a downloadable Word Document with prompt questions. The Cultural Strategies Data Overview Template is a downloadable Excel Spreadsheet with column headings to help you add and structure the information on the datasets you are using. A link to the Examples PowerPoint. |
| Themes and Priorities We recommend reflecting on changes and continuities in cultural strategy themes and priorities by engaging with a wide range of cultural strategies that can provide insight across a variety of years and places. | An interactive ThingLink introduces the six main themes and their sub-themes identified through a content analysis of strategies and some examples of the language and terminology. |
| Policy and Position We recommend cultural strategies go beyond providing a reference list of policies and strategies that are referred to and create a matrix or table that includes all the policies and strategies referred to and indicates when they were published, if they are timebound, and how long they remain in alignment. | The Cultural Strategies Policy and Position Template is a downloadable Excel Spreadsheet with column headings to help you add and structure the information on the policies and plans you are referring to. The chart enables comparison of how different materials align over time. A link to the Examples PowerPoint. |
| Geographies and Boundaries We recommend that the development of cultural strategies give attention to changing geographies and boundaries and make connections with different ‘neighbours’ to explore cultural strategy alignment and the pursuit of common purpose. | The Cultural Strategies Explorer is an interactive map that enables you to identify which places have cultural strategies and where they exist at different levels (e.g. local and regional), and from this begin conversations. |
| Living and Responsive We recommend cultural strategies are made accessible using digital technology platforms that enable updates, responses and continued consultation, and that exploring the features and characteristics of different technological platforms could support wider engagement in a greater variety of ways. | An interactive ThingLink with four prompt questions that lead to a series of information boxes that include further questions and examples. |
| Continuity and Evaluation We recommend new cultural strategies, where applicable, reference relevant past strategies to reflect and evaluate on the status of their aims and going forward establish a way for aims to be regularly reflected on and evaluated. | The Cultural Strategies Continuity Flowchart is a downloadable Word document with coloured boxes and linking arrows to help make connections and evaluate continuity between different cultural strategies over time. |
| Success and Failure We recommend that the ongoing evaluation of cultural strategies emphasise sharing learning and experiences and transparently reflecting on what was intended and what could be done differently. | An Insights and Reflections series is in development to share learning and experiences. |
| Network and Share We recommend exploring the value of a cultural strategies network to share experiences, insights and suggestions. | The Cultural Strategies Network was launched in November 2025. Current activities include bi-monthly online meetings and a LinkedIn Group. |
Examples from cultural strategies
As an additional resource for several Think Kit resources, the below PowerPoint presentation includes examples from cultural strategies. All strategies can be accessed via the dataset available from Think Kit Resource 2.
Slides from CLOA webinar (6th November 2025)
The event archive with recording and slides are on the CLOA website. The slides are available below:
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Open in new tab Notes from Cultural Strategies Network meetings
Meeting 2 (11th February 2026)
The following very briefly summarises some of the discussion points with connections to Think Kit resources that might be relevant and useful:
- The importance of cultural strategies for enabling a place to articulate a clear vision and plan to funders was highlighted. This was expressed by Five10Twelve CEO Samara Jones-Hall in an Arts Professional article: ‘We see first-hand the significant difference it makes for local authorities to have a well-developed cultural strategy in place to access funding, unlock investment, and deliver lasting impacts.’ The role of strategies going into local government reorganisation was also identified as a probable advantage.
- Governance models need to be specific to place, rather than implemented based on approaches used elsewhere. The resource on models and approaches includes examples of how local authorities and consultants have approached this.
- Enabling equitable participation and contributions between differently sized and resourced partners. The resource on models and approaches has prompt questions and suggestions on who leads/is responsible for different strategy aims and actions.
- Local authorities have a vital convening role. It was suggested that local authorities do this as part of the partnership. An approach to co-design within local authority might make this more familiar and established when it comes to the cultural strategy. This also means considering whether the strategy is (or is seen as) a council document and questioning any approval role (something which might differ from some established local authority processes). This was framed as endorse not adopt. The resource on structure and language considers aspects relating to this, such as values and background. The resource on models and approaches has prompt questions and suggestions relating to this.
- The importance of how culture is identified in other strategic plans for a place. The themes and priorities resource addresses this and the policy and position resource has a template with a structure for bringing together different strategies and plans.
- If a local authority is commissioning a cultural strategy, then being clear on resources and capacity available in the development stage and beyond, for example: generating data and asset mapping activities; consultation activities and renumerating lived experiences (e.g., The Social Change Agency); commissioning creative practitioners; evaluation activities. This will help with the meeting point of aspiration and reality. Question 2 for the resource on models and approaches has some suggestions to consider in commissioning a cultural strategy.
Meeting 1 (10th December 2025)
The following very briefly summarises some of the discussion points with connections to Think Kit resources that might be relevant and useful:
- Referencing and evidencing successes (e.g. funding) that a strategy can help to leverage
The resource on continuity and evaluation includes a template for periodic review and reflection which can help for identifying and narrating aims and achievements. - Giving voice and engaging with a diversity voices
The resource on methods and consultation has a planning checklist which includes links and resources exploring ethical use of different methods for co-creation and consultation. Prompt questions include: What can approaches centring co-creation, citizen-led and creative methods enable? Are accessibility and inclusivity embedded in the approach and the materials? - Governance
The resource on models and approaches includes a question about shared understandings between partners on ongoing involvement and commitments (for example, terms of reference). This will be the focus of the session on 11th February 2026. - Monitoring and Evaluation
The resource on continuity and evaluation includes a template for periodic review and reflection and links to various resources for evaluation. - Approaches to and language used to describe renewing and refreshing strategies
The resource on continuity and evaluation includes a template for the continuity flowchart which can help to make connections and evaluate continuity between different cultural strategies over time. The interactive map available under geographies and boundaries can help for finding past strategies that places have had. - Delivery plans
The resource on structure and language has a section on versions which considers the combination of an overarching strategy (with the high-level vision for a longer period) and delivery plans (which addresses operational issues and is updated more frequently). This is also explored in the interactive resource for living and responsive.
Meeting 2 (11th February 2026)
Introduction and Overview
The Cultural Strategies Network meeting on the 11th February 2026 will focus on delivery and governance.
This meeting is an opportunity to explore experiences and challenges that could relate to some of the following:
- governance models that are inclusive and equitable
- sustained involvement of partners and interested parties (especially beyond the development phase and over the longer term)
- who leads on/is responsible for different aims and the ways in which aims and actions might be specific for the strategy and/or are aligned to others’ existing plans
This meeting most closely links with the following resources:
- Models and Approaches, which includes a question about shared understandings between partners on ongoing involvement and commitments.
- Continuity and Evaluation, which recommends that new cultural strategies establish a way for aims to be regularly reflected on and evaluated in the future.
References
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