Famous faces namedropped in Essex Council's culture strategy
A plan to boost culture and the arts has been announced
Essex County Council is looking to name-drop a string of well-known celebrities as part of its cultural strategy to boost culture and the arts. Essex County Council says its first Cultural Strategy is intended to be the “start of a conversation” defining a “roadmap” as to how Essex County Council can create the conditions for the success of its arts, culture and creative organisations and practitioners.
The strategy that has been developed over the past two years follows a decision taken to create a £1.5 million Arts & Cultural Fund and the Essex Film Office reinvesting in three of Essex’s Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisations. As well as its strong digital sector, the council highlights theatre and visual and performing arts highlighting the Royal Opera House’s workshop in Thurrock
The strategy also includes the “importance of pop culture” and social media influencers, as well as artists, cooks and comedians. Essex County Council says that “one of Essex’s major success stories in recent years has been the stream of talent to emerge from the county.”
It adds: “From chart-topping musicians like Sade and Alison Moyet, shaping British musical culture, to sporting heroes like Sir Alastair Cook, acting icons like Dame Maggie Smith, and writers and filmmakers telling the stories of the county, the cultural landscape of Essex is broad and hugely influential.
“From social media influencers to the creation of celebrity stars via shows such as The Only Way Is Essex popular culture which is made in the county, reaches millions of people worldwide. Essex has become known for exporting creative and cultural talent with musicians like Sam Ryder and Olly Murs becoming modern media icons.
“Essex’s Jamie Oliver is now one of the world’s most famous chefs and food campaigners and Russell Brand, with his vast podcast and YouTube following, continues to reach audiences everywhere whether via his own searing brand of stand-up comedy and activism or his Hollywood movie roles.”
In 2022, Essex County Council formalised a dedicated Film Office for Essex with the objective of positioning the county as a go-to location for the film and TV production industry.
It adds: “With productions such as the AppleTV+ adaptation of Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent’set and shot on the Blackwater Estuary, to Hylands House in Chelmsford doubling as the White House in the Netflix hit The Crown, Essex is welcoming more productions than ever before and has the potential to attract more.”
A forward from Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture said: “Essex is a brave county of change-makers and of potential. This strong character and sense of identity has resulted in a cultural legacy which has built up over decades. From internationally renowned writers like Sarah Perry and musical acts such as Blur and Depeche Mode to visual artists such as Michael Landy, Elsa James, and Grayson Perry; to icons of modern popular culture like The Only Way is Essex and upcoming fashion brand Never Fully Dressed demonstrating the huge potential Essex has as a cultural and creative destination.”
The council has said its cultural strategy is vital to help it create conditions for further growth.
Hazel Edwards, Area Director, Arts Council England: “It is hugely powerful when a local authority makes a clear commitment to supporting arts, culture and creativity by publishing an ambitious cultural strategy.
“In November 2022, we announced our 2023/2026 national portfolio, which included £12m in funding over three years across 13 organisations in Essex, including five that will receive funding through our National Portfolio for the first time.
“We’re delighted that Essex County Council is following that announcement by setting out its own commitment to arts, culture, and creativity with a new and ambitious cultural strategy. I look forward to working in partnership with Essex County Council to ensure that more people across the county have the opportunity to experience, participate in and enjoy all that the arts, culture and creativity have to offer.”