Paving the way for a vibrant future in South Kesteven’s arts and culture scene

Morris Dancing in Wyndham Park

The future of South Kesteven’s thriving cultural landscape is set to be mapped out for years to come in a new Cultural Strategy.

South Kesteven District Council’s Cabinet will be asked to support the far-reaching plan next week.

It gives a comprehensive vision for cultural activity across the District for the next three years.

The strategy provides a framework for how the Council can support and champion diverse arts programmes, sports initiatives, heritage and creative industries within South Kesteven.

Cllr Paul Stokes, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Cultural Strategy showcases our commitment to widen and improve the cultural landscape of the District.

Queen Elizabeth Park

“By investing in culture, we can enrich the lives of residents, boost the local economy and be somewhere that people want to live, work and visit.

“The pandemic had a long-lasting impact on cultural activities in South Kesteven and beyond, with income, funding and audiences all significantly reduced. This strategy will help us secure new opportunities and support our cultural scene to build back stronger.”

If approved, an Action Plan has been developed to support each of seven key priority areas and enhance the creative and cultural identity within South Kesteven. The focus is on Economy and Growth, Partnership and Collaboration, Equality and Inclusion, Placemaking, Health and Wellbeing, Value for Money and Cultural Venues and Programmes.

The Council already funds an extensive programme of events and activities at the Guildhall Arts Centre in Grantham, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange but is keen to expand this to deliver accessible programmes for a wide range of audiences.

Irnham – Best Kept Village

It also looks at how arts, sports and heritage events can be used to support local economic growth, create additional jobs and volunteer opportunities and improve the health and wellbeing of residents.

Key stakeholders, partners and residents were all asked to share their views in a public consultation held in November 2022, where 92% of survey respondents felt that culture had a positive impact on health and wellbeing.