Arts Council England forges strategic links with Salford

Arts Council England (ACE) has signed a three-way Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Salford and Salford City Council, to provide opportunities for local communities to get involved in arts and culture “at many different levels”.

This follows similar agreements signed with Bristol City Council, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and De Montfort University (DMU). ACE has since signalled its intent to work with DMU on a three-year trial for its 25 Year Creative Talent Plan.

“These are exciting times, both for the University as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary and for the rapidly-growing city of Salford, with which we have always been fortunate enough to have a very close relationship,” said Professor Allan Walker, Dean of the University of Salford’s School of Arts and Media.

“We look forward to the exciting opportunities that will be realised as our staff, students and graduates work with young people from across Salford on projects which will put the city on the global creative map.”

Collaborative agreement

Place making, diversity and continuing professional development emerge as key themes in the agreement, and the University has agreed to offer opportunities for staff at ACE and the local authority to study related modules.

In addition, the document outlines support for cultural education and plans for graduate retention in cultural work.

ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley said the deal would “embed arts and culture in the strategic thinking for the city”. He added: “Salford is an exciting, international, future-focused city so it is only right that its residents are able to enjoy and take part in a broad range of arts and cultural activities of the highest quality.”