Westmorland and Furness Council is pleased to announce the launch of its Cultural Framework.
At a meeting of Cabinet (21 January), a five-year vision designed to strengthen arts and culture as key drivers of health, well-being, and economic growth across the area was agreed by members.
The Cultural Framework emphasises the pivotal role culture plays in supporting local communities and outlines how the council will harness arts and heritage to improve physical and mental health, tackle issues such as loneliness and isolation, and foster local economic development.
The Cultural Framework aims to achieve several key objectives that will enhance the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Westmorland and Furness:
- Building civic pride and promoting a strong sense of place.
- Promoting better health and well-being by addressing challenges such as mental ill health, loneliness, and social isolation.
- Supporting local economic growth through revitalising high streets, boosting commercial creative industries, and developing the visitor and night-time economies.
- Encouraging social mobility by ensuring inclusive access to local cultural opportunities and pathways into the rapidly growing creative industries.
This comprehensive document is a key part of the council achieving its Council Plan priorities and Council Plan Delivery Framework mission to embed culture in all it does, contributing to improved health, wellbeing and quality of life, and ensuring everyone has access to a diverse range of opportunities to be creative and enjoy high-quality cultural experiences across the area.
The framework’s development has been shaped and informed by extensive engagement and collaboration with cultural sector stakeholders across Westmorland and Furness to ensure it reflects the importance of community arts as well as the ambition and vision of the sector.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:
“Culture is at the heart of thriving communities, and Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to ensuring arts and heritage are integral to our future. This framework not only highlights the substantial social and economic value of culture but also underscores our dedication to fostering collaboration and connection.
“Recent research measuring the positive impact of arts and heritage on health and wellbeing continues work over 25 years here in Cumbria, in Westminster and at universities. It validates our ambition and demonstrates the tangible benefits culture can bring – to individuals, communities and education, to the high street, nighttime economy, tourism and community spaces.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the many individuals and organisations who contributed to developing this framework. We at the council look forward to making a ‘Cultural Compact’ with all our partners to deliver this vision. Together, we can build a more connected and vibrant future for all – making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.”
