Culture is central to who we are—shaping our heritage, our future, and the way we live and connect. It is present in our art, music, design, and everyday experiences, and it plays a vital role in building communities, supporting wellbeing, and driving local economies. For local authorities, culture is a key part of creating welcoming, distinctive, and resilient places.
As the Local Government Association, we have greatly valued the opportunity to work alongside the University of Southampton, who have led this project, to combine sector insight with academic expertise for the benefit of councils and communities.
This new Think Kit builds on the Public Policy Southampton funded project, Cultural strategies, compacts and futures: The role of local government in connecting culture with place, health and the environment and the LGA’s own Cultural Strategy in a Box. Drawing on robust research and practical experience, this work has been co-designed with representatives from six local authorities. Their insights and commitment have ensured that the guidance is grounded in the realities and opportunities facing councils today.
The timing of this work could not be more critical. As devolution and local government reorganisation gather pace, the need for places to have a co-created, strategic plan for culture has never been greater. Areas that can demonstrate a shared vision, developed with their communities and partners, will be best placed to secure funding from national bodies, attract investment from business, and ensure that new unitary councils can engage positively with their residents from day one. In a landscape of change, we hope this work will support councils and their partners to develop cultural strategies that are inclusive, evidence-based, and forward-looking – helping every place to realise the full potential of its cultural life.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project.
Ian Leete (Senior Adviser – Culture, Tourism and Sport at the Local Government Association)