Rushmoor residents asked their views on strategy for cultural opportunities in the borough
It includes the arts, creative industries and heritage
Last updated 8th Nov 2021
Rushmoor Borough Council is inviting residents to have their say on the development of a new ten year cultural strategy.
The council is working with Arts Council England, The Fifth Sector and other partners to develop the strategy, which will be in place until 2031.
The council says the new strategy will increase opportunities for residents and visitors to engage more often with a greater range of cultural experiences in Aldershot and Farnborough.
It will include the borough’s diverse culture, including the arts, creative industries, heritage and the public realm, and will also link to green spaces, tourism and events.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Planning and Economy, Councillor Marina Munro, said: “Aldershot and Farnborough are fortunate to have significant natural assets and a famous military and aviation heritage.
"However, there is a small, under-developed and under-connected arts scene with huge potential to grow.
"Research shows that cultural engagement, participation, and attendance in our towns is significantly lower than the national average and ranks as one of the UK’s lowest areas of arts engagement.
"The new cultural strategy will enable us to secure funding and capitalise on these opportunities over the next ten years.
“It’s vital that we consult with our residents to take into consideration their views and ideas by working together as one community.
"Aldershot and Farnborough are packed with culture, and I'm delighted to support its continued development.”
Back in September Arts Council England identified 11 priority places in its south west region, including Rushmoor, as part of its three-year delivery plan to bring more cultural experiences to communities that have been under-served in the past.
The Arts Council will work closely with stakeholders in these locations to develop new opportunities for increased investment in culture, which could be up to £1 million in Rushmoor.
An online survey can be found here: www.rushmoor.gov.uk/culturalstrategy.
It closes on November 8.