Cultural Strategy 2003 -2008

Leicestershire is a diverse, predominantly rural county, with attractive market towns and other urban centres. The county has established traditions surrounding sport, cuisine, equestrianism and industries such as textiles, coal mining, quarrying and engineering. Libraries, community centres, educational organisations and museums play an important part in the delivery of lifelong learning and capturing the essence of Leicestershire’s rich and diverse heritage. Culturally, more can be achieved through a partnership approach to the provision of activities and the promotion of what Leicestershire has to offer its residents, investors and visitors. The creative industries are growing in importance in the county, and more needs to be done to ensure that their presence and growth has an economic and cultural impact on the county as a whole.

Consultation has revealed that the majority of residents are very proud of the rural beauty of the County, the National Forest and the Grand Union Canal, feel that culture has a positive role to play in improving community spirit, and enjoy festivals, the arts and local markets. Through a Citizen's Forum, consultation with key providers and stakeholders, and interested individuals, four themes were identified to underpin the Cultural Strategy. These are: Strengthening Communities, Celebrating Leicestershire, Improving Lifestyles and Health and Building a Cultural and Creative Economy. The Cultural Strategy identifies a range of strategic aims as challenges set to identify or improve the potential for enhancing the quality of life in Leicestershire and providing opportunities to involve as many people as possible. In particular, young people and those for whom access may be difficult are the focus of many of the challenges, and action plans will be developed with specific and measurable targets by service providers, often in partnership, to work towards those aims being met during the life of the Strategy.

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