Issue - meetings

Background:

This report brought forward the draft Medway Cultural Strategy 2014-2019, reviewing the last five years and setting out aspirations for the forthcoming period. The draft strategy was attached at Appendix A to the report

It was noted that Medway’s cultural offer was vital for Medway’s place making agenda, and established Medway’s credentials as a city in all but name. The cultural offer set Medway apart as a vibrant, dynamic place that attracted interest regionally, nationally and internationally, supporting the essential place making of Medway and establishing Medway as the destination for culture, heritage, sport and tourism, putting Medway on the map. It was reported that the Cultural Strategy would help to re-shape perceptions of Medway and secure recognition as a city, bringing benefits to the residents of Medway.

The report set out details of the consultation undertaken, which, in addition to its development through the Cultural Partnership, had included the Citizens’ Panel, an online survey and distribution to a number of groups. The Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee had also considered the draft Medway Cultural Strategy 2014-2019 on 2 October 2014 and section five of the report provided details of the discussion.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken on the proposals and was set out in Appendix B to the report.

Reasons:

The Cultural Strategy provides the framework for taking forward Medway’s cultural offer and will ensure a coherent approach is adopted over the next five years, working in partnership to further establish Medway as a City in all but name, a great place to live, work, study and visit.