Government opens public consultation on culture

The first of a series of online forums has been opened by the Government as part of a consultation exercise in the run-up to the publication of a White Paper for the Arts. ‘The Places Challenge’ invites the public to “share and discuss your ideas on how culture and heritage can shape vibrant healthy communities across the country”.

Noting that “culture sits at the heart of what shapes communities and places”, the consultation forum is inviting comment on how cultural organisations, funding providers and local authorities can work together at a local or regional level to champion culture in their area, and what we can learn from initiatives such as the City of Culture competition and the Northern Powerhouse. It is also encouraging people to give examples of how places can be showcased through cultural projects.

The role that culture plays in creating places that people want to live, work and visit is one of four themes that will be covered in a series of online, open discussions over the next twelve weeks. The others are how people engage with culture; funding models and financial resilience; and culture as a tool for promoting Britain abroad.