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Feedback on Fife's 'Culture Talk' Consultation
Archived news: published on Wednesday 07 Jan 2009 by Fife Council
From October 2007 until June 2008 a Fife-wide consultation 'Culture Talk' took place to find out what the people who live and work in Fife thought of the current 'state of culture' in the area and what their aspirations for the future of culture in Fife into the 21st Century were. Over 3500 people became involved along the way.
They became involved by taking part in one or more of the opportunities to air their views described below:
* What sort of experience or activity does the word culture mean to you today in
* What cultural or creative activities or experiences would you like to see more of in
* What would you like to see happening to better support and encourage the creative talent of people of all ages in
7 'Imagineering' projects and events were rolled out to work with specific groups of people to look closely at 'culture' from their particular point of view. These groups included families with preschool children, young people, adults with learning disabilities, disabled teenagers and older people.
After collating all of the feedback and responses to our questions the information and advice offered to those who run cultural and other services in the area was presented to the 164 professional stakeholders at a 'Cultural Gathering' event in April 2008. The professional stakeholders at the Gathering debated and further honed the key themes, which had emerged from the views of the public involved to that point.
These key themes were then presented back to the public through special public meetings held in different areas across the Kingdom. The final priorities identified for the way forward for culture in
The first draft of this new Cultural Strategy for
So what does the strategy now include?
The Cultural Strategy now outlines 5 key commitments, which reflect the broad areas of cultural ambition raised most frequently by those from across the public, cultural, wider professional and community sectors through the ''Culture Talk'' consultation process.
We believe these commitments are realistic and acknowledge that while many of the elements of cultural development required by them might be outwith the direct scope of the public sector, they can be influenced by it.
Within these 5 key commitments there are 17 key objectives, which provide a clear sense of purpose and direction - guided by the broad social priorities of the Fife Partnership, as summarised in the Community Plan.
In total, 60 possible actions have been identified as playing a role in driving forward cultural development in
The 5 key commitments and their objectives, which have now been identified and agreed, are:
Commitment 1
We will strengthen and widen opportunities for cultural celebration, engagement and support by building strong cultural partnerships and strategic initiatives between cultural agencies, the public sector and
To establish a Fife Cultural Consortium in Fife to be the guardian of the Fife Cultural Strategy and to drive forward strategic cultural planning activity and related action in
We will ensure all children and young people have learning and leisure opportunities that grow and develop their creativity and cultural experience
Objective 2
To nurture children's individual imagination, curiosity, creativity and talent within and out with the school day.
To inspire and engage children and young people to develop their interests, skills and talents through self directed creative expression
Objective 4
To promote well being and respect for cultural diversity by engaging children and young people in learning about the cultural lives and creative expression of others from backgrounds, life opportunities and experience that is different from their own.
Objective 5
To encourage those working with children in schools, across other children's services and organisations to better understand the local cultural aspirations and needs of children and young people and to improve how the cultural opportunities offered to meet those needs and aspirations.
Commitment 3
We will raise the profile of
Objective 6
To nurture existing and attract new creative individuals and businesses to develop, locate and invest in Fife by raising and actively promoting
Objective 7
To nurture existing and attract new creative individuals and businesses to develop, locate and invest in Fife by strengthening and growing
Objective 8
To nurture existing and attract new creative individuals and businesses to develop, locate and invest in Fife by strengthening Fife's natural and built cultural infrastructure
To nurture existing and attract new creative individuals and businesses to develop, locate and invest in Fife by building and supporting
We will ensure that
Objective 10:
To encourage communities to maximise cultural opportunities to celebrate themselves and their heritage
Objective 11:
To help and encourage marginalised or vulnerable groups and individuals to enjoy their communities and cultural opportunities within them
Objective 12:
To enhance the physical environment we live and work in
Objective 13:
To identify a series of community facilities that can be developed as 'cultural meeting places and spaces'
Commitment 5
We will advocate strongly for diverse and inclusive cultural and creative opportunities for all
Objective 14:
To ensure our cultural plans and programmes reflect the diversity of
Objective 15:
To advocate on behalf of the difference cultural engagement can make to all our lives...
Objective 16:
To recognise the important contribution of creative individuals to
Objective 17:
To support communities meaningfully to increase their levels of participation in creative and cultural activities
Each of these commitments and objectives have associated action points attached to them and this action plan will be discussed and developed by the members of the new Cultural Consortium in the New Year (2009)
We are now looking forward to a period of new activity when, guided by a new Cultural Strategy and action plan for Fife, built on these commitments, partners will work together to help develop broader access to and participation in cultural opportunities and experiences, so that many more people can enjoy all that 'culture' and the arts can offer their lives. The work will take place over a 5-year period, beginning in 2009.
This new vision and plan would not have been possible if members of the public in Fife, professionals and stakeholders in creative sectors and visitors to
Thank You
Fife Council wishes to say a loud, clear and big thank you to all of those who have input their ideas, answered questions and voted for the way forward for Culture in
