Culture
Local authorities are in many ways custodians of both national and local culture through, for example, supporting arts and crafts, maintaining heritage sites, local history and folk-lore, encouraging public celebrations and festivals.
An important aspect of culture is promoting a sense of national and local identity, and being part of a society that is inclusive but diverse, supportive and evolving.
Recent projects with a culture thread that the LGA has been promoting within this resource have included:
- young carers using museum collections as inspiration to produce screen prints
- challenging teenage attitudes to health risks through an interactive experience combining music, film, graphics and lighting effects
- increasing employment prospects for long-term unemployed and vulnerable adults through training in traditional crafts
- using photography to help people appreciate their local environment
- promoting shared reading to reduce isolation and increase social interaction for adults with a learning disability
- fostering a sense of place and identity through dance.
Contact
If you have any queries or would like further information about our work on culture please contact:
Laura Caton
Email: laura.caton@local.gov.uk
In this section:
Cultural capital
16 May 2013
Establishing itself as the cultural capital of Lincolnshire has helped strengthen the tourism economy in the coastal district of East Lindsey, writes Councillor Doreen Stephenson.
Big Lunch, big impact
16 May 2013
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) has recently released a report which analyses the social impact of the Big Lunch since its launch in 2009, writes Sir Tim Smit, Co-founder of the Big Lunch and the Eden Project.
Libraries e-lending review
The DCMS has published the e-Lending review, which includes information on how council libraries can play their part in the digital revolution.
Libraries to improve digital access
Six major libraries across the UK will be given the right to collect, preserve and provide long-term access to the increasing proportion of the nation's cultural and intellectual output that appears in digital form.
'Inspired by 2012' brand launched
The ‘Inspired by 2012' brand is an initiative led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Cabinet Office to bring together legacy projects inspired by the 2012 Games and the Diamond Jubilee under a single brand. (Pic courtesy London 2012)
Related events and publications:
Museums Leadership Academy: 23-24 January 2013
In partnership with Arts Council England, the LGA organised the first Museums Leadership Academy for cabinet/portfolio holders with responsibility for museums. Here are the presentations from this highly successful event.
Driving growth through local government investment in the arts
This publication argues that the arts have a vital role to play in driving economic growth, and that local government is key to achieving this.
Support for the creative economy
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee launches a new inquiry into support for the creative economy.
Henley Review of Cultural Education
Read the LGA's response to this important publication
Taking Part survey
The latest 'Taking Part survey' is available on the DCMS website. It shows record levels of engagement with the arts and attendance at heritage sites, museums and galleries since the survey began in 2005.
New ways of working for historic environment services
23 June 2012
LGA and English Heritage report on innovations in historic environment services and the Historic Environment Local Authority Capacity Project.
Top tips for holding a public event in your community
23 May 2012
This guide covers events such as fetes, parades and charity fundraisers that will attract an audience of several hundred people.
Community events – A councillor handbook
27 April 2012
Community events have seen a resurgence of popularity and are proving a great way to bring communities together to celebrate special occasions.
Good practice guide for local heritage listing
This English Heritage publication shows how local heritage lists provide a unique opportunity for communities, in partnership with local authorities, to identify heritage assets that they wish to protect.
