Case studies

Create Gloucestershire is a consortium of arts and cultural organisations and individuals working together to make arts ‘everyday’ for local people.

The Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre opened in February 2016 – a new-build, combined facility in Levenshulme, which cost £9.1 million.

In 2013, Bradford Libraries commissioned a review of its library service. This was a major piece of work and involved considerable consultation with library users and non-users and other stakeholders.

Heritage has a high profile in Leicester: the city council has a ‘heritage champion’ and local residents have been involved in compiling a list of important landmarks.

Lewisham Council supports Allsorts, alternative day provision for adults with learning difficulties, which has a focus on high-quality creative and arts activities.

West Sussex Music Trust, the county’s music education hub, is a not-for-profit company with charitable status.

Suffolk’s library service is provided by an industrial and provident society, with Suffolk County Council’s role as expert commissioner.

Explore is a mutual organisation which runs library services on behalf of the City of York Council.

Creativity Works provides self-support groups and peer-led networks to support mental health in Bath and North East Somerset.

How can officers help to position the arts, culture and heritage within their council’s priorities? Polly Hamilton, Assistant Director, Culture, Sport and Tourism, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council shares her thoughts.