White Paper discussion turns to engagement

The third online discussion shaping the Government’s White Paper on culture has been launched. ‘The People Challenge’ offers an additional space to discuss how government, cultural organisations and individuals can ensure that everyone can experience and participate in cultural activities.

Visitors to the online forum are invited to post the outline of an idea and describe why it is important, rate other ideas, and input comments. Current suggestions include creating an apprentice-style panel show for ‘stress-testing’ potential grant recipients, and the creation of more creative public spaces in city centres for rest and play.

The first discussion, ‘The Places Challenge’, was launched in September, focused on using culture to shape vibrant communities. The second discussion, ‘The Funding Challenge’, was launched a month later, focused on developing new or alternative funding for arts and culture. They are both still open for new ideas, ratings and comments.

Despite a promising format, and a consistent presence on social media, the DCMS-backed site has seen limited engagement. The majority of ideas posted to the previous challenges have seen some form of interaction – whether a rating or a comment – but so far only 26 ideas have been contributed to the Places Challenge and 19 to the Funding Challenge. Across both sections, the highest rated ideas have less than ten combined comments and ratings.

The most popular idea in the Funding Challenge is for a digital stamp to be placed on emails to support local arts and culture, with every email sent contributing one pence to a regional fund, which has received five supportive comments so far. In the Places Challenge, Voluntary Arts and Arts Development UK’s idea for a cultural commons to support local culture has a five-star rating after receiving eight votes, but only one comment.

The final discussion on cultural diplomacy will be launched in December, with the White Paper due to be published at the end of this year or in early 2016.