Bath Spa University Publishing Subject Leader and Bath Bridge Director, Katharine Reeve, has led the development of a new cultural and creative strategy for Bath.
A sector-wide steering group and a team from Bath Bridge (an independent city-wide advisory group) worked with B&NES Council and Arts Council England to develop the strategy which was launched last week.
The six-month consultation with 200 organisations, culminated in a publication which presents an ambitious and coherent vision for a world-class, inclusive cultural and creative sector in B&NES.
The strategy was officially launched at an event at the Holburne Museum chaired by Katharine Reeve.
Speakers at the launch event were Jennifer Scott, Director of the Holburne Museum; John Orna-Ornstein, Arts Council England; Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones, Cabinet Member for Economic Development; and B&NES Council Leader, Councillor Tim Warren.
Speaking about the strategy Katharine Reeve said: “The production of this strategy was a great example of the power of creative collaboration, with real engagement from the sector and new connections made, which can be built on for the future.”
Over 80 representatives of the cultural and creative sector attended the event at which Bath Spa MA Arts Management students ran an interactive poll on the benefits of culture and creativity.
The results of the poll showed quality of life, city identity, and education, to be the most important benefits.
Greg Ingham, Chair of Creative Bath, Chairman of Theatre Royal Bath and Chief Executive of MediaClash commented: “This provides an essential blueprint for our development. Our creative heritage is immense; our potential is vast; and now, with this strategy, our path is clear.”
The strategy is also supported by the Cultural Forum for the Bath Area and the Forum’s Co-Chair, David Metcalf said: “We welcome the approach proposed under this new strategy and look forward to working with partners to realise the strategy’s ambitions and outcomes.”
For more information about the Cultural and Creative Strategy, visit here.
