From October 2007 until June 2008 the 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 of all ages from all over Fife became involved along the way by:
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Answering 3 Key Questions about 'culture' by post, email, telephone or text
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Filling in an online questionnaire
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Taking part in an interactive mock TV quiz show called 'Culture Booth', which toured public places like shopping centres, colleges, schools, shops, community and leisure centres and theatres throughout Fife in February 2008.
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Taking part in 1 of 7 'Imagineering' projects and events that engaged specific groups of people to look closely at 'culture' from their particular point of view.
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Taking part in a large 'Cultural gathering event in April 2008
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Taking part in special public meetings held in different areas across the Kingdom where the final priorities identified for the way forward for the culture in Fife were voted for.
The most important things that Fifers felt should be done to strengthen cultural life in Fife across the next 5 years were identified by the public votes cast at these events. These priorities - along with the wide range of views, ideas and aspirations offered along the way are the foundation stones upon which the new Cultural Strategy and Action Plan for Fife, 'Generations of Change' has taken it's shape from.
There are 5 new commitments for' culture' in Fife and there are 17 ambitions which provide a clear sense of purpose and direction. Linked to these ambitions are a total of 60 possible actions points that Fife Council believe will help widen access to and offer more opportunities for more people to become involved in culture in the ways that have been suggested.
Councillor Brian Goodall , Strategic Chair, Housing & Communities Committee said " This has been a massive exercise and Fife Council is very grateful to everyone who took part in 'Culture Talk'. We are now looking forward to a period of new activity guided by a new Cultural Strategy and action plan for Fife. A new partnership group made up of representatives from across the public, cultural and voluntary sectors in Fife, 'The Fife Cultural Consortium', will work together to ensure that many more people enjoy all that 'culture' and the arts can offer them in their lives. This new vision and plan, which at its heart is committed to promoting individual and community wellbeing through culture, would not have been possible if members of the public in Fife, professionals from the creative sectors and visitors to Fife had not taken the time and effort to be part of the Culture Talk Consultation. Without this help the new Cultural Strategy for Fife would not truly reflect the wants and needs of the people of Fife. We hope this Strategy will now encourage many partners to work together to oversee, drive forward and achieve the goals created."
Fife Council's Housing & Communities Committee yesterday endorsed and supported the commitments contained within the 'Generations of Change' Strategy. The Cultural Consortium will continue to refine the Action Plan and initial progress will be reported back to the Council in the summer.
For a copy of the Strategy Summary document, including commitments, objectives and the full proposed action plan go to www.fifedirect.org.uk and search for Cultural Strategy or Generations of Change or alternatively please contact:
Katie Brown, Service Manager (Cultural Partnerships), Fife Council
Tower Block, Auchterderran Centre, Woodend Road, Cardenden, Fife KY5 0NE
T: 08451 55 55 55 Ext 442040
E: Katie.brown@fife.gov.uk
Full copies of the Strategy Document are also available on request.
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