We’re inviting residents to help develop a new Cultural Strategy for the Borough
We are developing a new Cultural Strategy aimed at nurturing local talent, promoting tourism, and supporting creative industries. It will place communities at the heart of cultural development in the district, providing support to co-create cultural initiatives that reflect the identities and aspirations of the people who live here.
Serving as a foundation to celebrate Kirklees’ rich cultural history, while fostering growth, inclusivity, and creativity in our towns and villages, this new strategy recognises the distinct cultural identities across the borough’s many localities. As part of the development of this strategy the council is inviting residents to actively participate in shaping the future of the cultural landscape in Kirklees through a community engagement project, the Culture Lab.
Initially taking place in Holmfirth and Batley libraries, the Culture Lab will offer a space where local people can come together to take part in a range of interactive discussions, artistic and creative workshops and activities, or simply share their experiences and ideas.
Register for a Culture Lab session
The first of these Culture Labs will take place on the following dates with further venues announced in due course.
- Holmfirth Library – 3, 12, 17, 22 October, 10am – 4pm, register for Holmfirth Library here.
- Batley Library – 27 September, 1,10, 19 October, 10am – 4pm, register for Batley Library here.
Sessions are free to attend.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture said:
“The Culture Lab is an exciting opportunity for everyone in Kirklees to have a direct impact on our new Cultural Strategy. Sessions have been designed to ensure valuable insights are gathered, helping to shape its evolution.
“We are keen to hear from local people about what matters most to them from a cultural perspective. By participating in the labs, residents can express their thoughts on the cultural offer in their area, using the opportunity to contribute directly to the co-creation of Kirklees’ cultural identity and influence future projects in their towns and villages.
“The council recognises the power culture has in bringing communities together and the importance the strategy will play in the economic and social development of the district, and the positive impacts it will have on wellbeing, learning, and skills development for the future.”
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Strategies
The Culture Strategy is one of three interrelated strategies and will sit alongside Heritage and Tourism strategies. Together they will create a sense of identity and belonging, telling the stories of Kirklees’ places, people, and rich and diverse heritage in all its forms and in creative ways. The Culture, Heritage, and Tourism strategies will illustrate how we value the histories which have influenced who we are today, and then act as a roadmap for how we promote our stories to our citizens and those further afield, attracting visitors to enjoy our landscapes, towns, villages, businesses and attractions.
The Culture Strategy will provide a roadmap for developing the cultural offer of Kirklees, setting out a clear action plan to attract support on a regional, national, and international level. Ultimately it will position Kirklees as a cultural leader in West Yorkshire.