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There is huge potential for the arts and culture in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - the challenge is to realise it. This is entirely achievable for three main reasons. There is widespread public appreciation of arts and culture here. The area is privileged to host top quality blue-chip arts organisations and a vibrant network of artists and performers. There is a strong shared commitment on the part of the key institutions that arts and culture can contribute so much more to our community and its future.
  1. The creation of the new council for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole creates a unique opportunity to develop this agenda. There is strong commitment to develop a higher level of ambition for the area. Arts and culture could be a USP for the city and a key part of the new council’s strategy because of the sense of place it can engender.
  2. Opportunities arising from the government’s recognition of the vital role of arts and culture in UK plc and its investment in creative industries should be grasped. The potential of the creative industries here to increase productivity and to be a bigger driver of the economy is very significant.
  3. The enquiry is being jointly funded by the eight partners, which is being matched by funding from Arts Council England. 

Purpose of the enquiry

The purpose of the enquiry will be to engage with the widest range of stake-holders to develop the opportunity for arts and culture in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, building on the great assets that are already here, and to articulate the benefits arts and culture can bring.
 
The scope of the enquiry includes:
  • Articulation of aspirations which will bring benefits to people, places and business
  • Setting a clear and ambitious direction of travel
  • Definition of a framework for investment over 10 – 15 years within which diverse
  • ambitions can be realised
  • Confirmation of the strengths of the area and the developments underway
  • Opening up thinking about what art and culture is and the role it plays and can play in the lives of people and businesses here
  • The contribution that arts and culture can make to a distinctive identity for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area
  • Exploring and explaining how investment in arts and culture can generate the benefits aspired to here e.g. economic growth, health and well-being, educational attainment, community development etc.
  • Identifying ways of quantifying economic and social benefits from investment in arts and culture
  • Develop ideas about what a campaign for arts and culture might look like including key messages
  • Exploration of the opportunities for public and private funding that could contribute to the framework for investment
 
Follow @culturalenquiry or #cultural enquiry2019 on twitter for regular updates as the enquiry progresses or email culturalenquiry@tfconsultancy.co.uk for more information