Issue - meetings

This report invites the Executive Member for Economy and Culture to adopt the York Cultural Strategy on behalf of the city.

The strategy sets a clear direction for arts, heritage and cultural development, placing culture at the heart of York’s economic, social and civic future.  It describes how culture shapes how the city functions, how people create and engage with it, and how York’s culture attracts talent and investment to benefit residents across all our communities. In addition, it sets the clear ambition that York will be the first city to achieve cultural entitlement for all children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Resolved:   That the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture commit the council to adopt the York Cultural Strategy.

Reason:

                                    i.          York continues to be internationally recognised for its exceptional heritage and unique arts offer.

                                   ii.          Residents and businesses in York benefit from York’s unique cultural offer, improving life outcomes and health and wellbeing.

                                 iii.          The cultural offer fuels our economy, supporting growth and regeneration.

                                 iv.          All residents will be able to participate and engage in culture, with a focus on inclusive and relevant activities.

The Chief Strategy Officer presented the report, which concerned the adoption of York’s Cultural Strategy. She invited the Executive Member to approve the Strategy on behalf of the city, noting that it had been developed in association with cultural and heritage organisations, and considered how to strengthen community engagement, create an inclusive environment to enable participation for all. She highlighted York’s unique, globally recognised heritage and culture as a source of pride.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy thanked officers and partners including North Yorkshire for their work on this strategy. He stressed that this strategy highlighted that culture was an inherent, evolving and organic concept, which made the people of York who they were. He praised the positivity of the strategy for encouraging civic pride and stridently contrasted this with enforcement and politicisation of culture evident elsewhere.

Resolved:   That the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture commit the council to adopt the York Cultural Strategy.

Reason:

                                    i.          York continues to be internationally recognised for its exceptional heritage and unique arts offer.

                                   ii.          Residents and businesses in York benefit from York’s unique cultural offer, improving life outcomes and health and wellbeing.

                                 iii.          The cultural offer fuels our economy, supporting growth and regeneration.

                                 iv.          All residents will be able to participate and engage in culture, with a focus on inclusive and relevant activities.