Plan to focus on enhancing cultural offer in Scarborough Borough
A survey wants the public to ask questions about cultural and creative activities.
People living in the borough of Scarborough are being asked for their opinions on culture in the area, including their ‘one big idea’ that might transform cultural activity in the future.
An online questionnaire, which ends today, asks questions about cultural and creative activities within the borough, ranging from food and fossil-hunting to visiting theatres, museums and galleries.
Alongside questions on how culture is relevant to local businesses, tourism, young people and regeneration, it includes the opportunity to suggest ‘one big idea’ – something which might potentially transform culture in the borough.
The results will feed into a 10-year cultural strategy for the area due to be adopted in the autumn of 2021. The project is being led by COAST (the Local Cultural Education and Community Partnership) and supported by Scarborough Borough Council, Arts Council England and arts training company IVE.
Councillor Jim Grieve, Scarborough Borough Council Cabinet Member for Quality of Life, said:
“One of the many things we’ve learned during the last year is the importance of culture in all its many forms to people, whether that’s being part of a local choir or book group, taking part in or watching sport, going out to large-scale events, or visiting a local heritage site.
“Our corporate plan recognises the importance of culture in bringing communities together, attracting visitors and encouraging businesses to invest in an area.
“We want the new cultural strategy to make sure cultural activities throughout the borough are as brilliant as they can possibly be, both for locals and for the visitors that are so crucial to our economy. We feel the best way to do this is by harnessing the ideas and imaginations of our residents, who know the area better than anyone.”
Frances Smith, Principal Consultant at Beam, which is researching and producing the strategy, said:
“By ‘culture’, we mean all the elements that help create a sense of place through the people, the buildings, the landscapes and the traditions.
“The borough means different things to different people and these differences are what makes the area so special.”
To access the questionnaire, please click here: https://forms.gle/arnSjFisSxVbrZKz7