Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Post

A lot of CG’s thinking and action is about the less visible systems, structures and behaviours that create inequalities in Gloucestershire and how this plays out in, and is played out by, the cultural and creative sectors. Building new equitable foundations for how things get done requires the slow, careful work of growing trust across the system. Our team support people and organisations to work better together so they can create the change that matters to them. We also hold the space for dialogue about how to do this in a way that doesn’t further damage our natural world. CG’s long-term systems wide approach is harder to see and count than project based activity. What does a 'trust balance sheet' look like for example? Which is why we deeply appreciate the support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation who understand how vital it is to re-imagine first; before building the governance and management that can seed and sustain creative, confident, communities. You can find out more about our relationship and work in partnership with Esmée Fairbairn Foundation here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNMcXdgJ

Great content here from Prof Katy Shaw on the importance of a culture-centred approach in addressing complex and cross-cutting challenges in our regions. More and more I'm seeing recognition of the role that policy can play in leveraging the creative industries opportunity, driving collaboration and co-creation and developing bold, innovative and future-focussed solutions to democratising the sector and turbo-charging its regenerative capacity. This thinking was central to Creative Cardiff's recent work on Creative Industries Cluster Hubs, and the outcomes of Creative Communities R&D are providing further evidence of the need for this approach in addressing pressing, complex economic and social opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eMErvHuR

The Guardian rightly reminds us of the urgent need for a step-change in how we value culture – moving away from market-based logic of economic value towards a broader understanding of the role of culture as part of a life well-lived. It is no coincidence that the foundation of Arts Council England, with its guiding tenet of access to arts and culture as a civic right, emerged from the same post-war optimism as the beloved NHS – ambitious products of a socialist vision for Britain. Although culture and health (including social care) in Britain have now fallen foul of 14 years of austerity, a new government must not make the mistake of considering them as either/or options, but rather understand that they are intrinsically connected. Culture is a human right because it is part of a life well lived. A cohesive cultural strategy is not just about benefit to the cultural sector, but rather about benefit to all in society. If we do not take this approach, what we stand to lose is part of the very core of who we are. #CultureMakes

From 2025, we'll invest $42.4 million per annum in a range of arts and cultural organisations, providing employment pathways for creative workers and strengthening Australia’s arts and cultural sector. 159 organisations will benefit from this multi-year investment from 2025-2028, an increase of 45 organisations compared to the previous cycle (2021-2024). Among the outcomes, there is an increase in investment in First Nations, youth and disability led groups, and those based in regional Australia. 

I often tell others in the art world (institutions and organisations mostly wanting to work more with a community and values-driven approach) to think about what being a Good Neighbour is. ⭐ A good neighbour is welcoming and interested in making friends in the neighbourhood. ⭐ A good neighbour shares news and information that could be of help to neighbours. ⭐ A good neighbour is supportive of what others are doing and is a local champion. ⭐ A good neighbour is considerate and tolerant of other people's views and lifestyles. ⭐ A good neighbour shares their tools, food and other assets with their community. ⭐ A good neighbour is responsible for what they have and contributes to the neighbourhood by tending their assets well so all can benefit. ⭐ A good neighbour makes long and lasting relationships. A good neighbour isn't: 🚫 Inviting you to their party but never going round to yours. 🚫 Putting on events without asking the neighbourhood what types of food, music, timings or activities they would like. 🚫 Not honouring or respecting the local culture and the needs of the area. 🚫 Being a good neighbour for a couple of months before you never hear from them again. 🚫 Pestering neighbours for small bits, quick asks or 'crumbs' rather than looking at ways to bake the cake together. I want my neighbourhood, my art world, to be a sustainable space that serves a 'best practice' around values, ethics, generosity, openess, inclusion, access and where equity can be nurtured. I am sharing this to suggest we all take the time, as organisations, institutions, collaborators, practitioners and artists to think a little harder about being a 'pal'. I, myself, try to be a good neighbour in my own time and work. I want to make more friends in the art world. I want to make the art world more generative and supportive. I want to make the neighbourhood less scary to enter and exist in. So increasingly, I am spending time having conversations without agendas and making more space in my diary to be able to respond to when a neighbour gets in touch with a request. Be a Good Neighbour.

🎨 Investing in the Arts 🎨 Did you know that investing in the arts not only enriches our cultural landscape but also drives our local economy? Here’s how it works: 1. Cultural Enrichment: The arts bring creativity and inspiration to our communities, making them more appealing places to live, work, and visit. 2. Job Creation: From artists and performers to galleries and local venues, every dollar invested in the arts supports jobs and stimulates economic growth. 3. Tourism Boost: Exciting art events and exhibitions attract visitors, bringing additional revenue to local businesses—from restaurants to shops. 4. Community Connection: Art fosters collaboration and interaction, building stronger, more engaged neighborhoods where everyone can contribute and thrive. Let’s support our local artists and arts initiatives today! Together, we can cultivate a thriving community that values creativity and economic prosperity. #InvestInTheArts #VibrantCommunities #ArtsAndEconomy #SupportLocal #CommunityGrowth #CultureMatters #Tulsaartists

Calling ALL VICTORIAN artists, arts workers, arts educators + researchers, students and supporters. Get on this! Social change comes from the margins not the institutions so do this. First the survey and secondly, consider making a submission - closes 26 AUG. Strongly recommend we don't solely focus on $$$ (scarcity thinking), but things that can help support transforming the sector in a climate context (work with what we have and do/think/act better - abundance thinking). When we invest in people, intergenerational knowledge transmission and diversity - we all benefit. Consider areas such as intergenerational/cross-sectoral/transdisciplinary mentorship, partnerships, collaboration and residencies; streamlined funding app. processes so small-orgs and independents can do more than admin.; and, move away from rigid funding streams to include socially-engaged, experimental + emergent forms of practices; and, why not more multi-platform + multi-year projects so we can do deeper and longer work with greater impact!?! https://lnkd.in/gka52PQP

The UK is in the middle of a devolution revolution that looks set to ramp up at pace. The new UK Government has placed devolution at the centre of its policy agenda. Local leaders and communities in England are going to see new powers and responsibilities headed their way. The devolved governments in Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland are also forging ahead with plans to bring local communities closer to key decision-making processes. But what might devolution and increased local decision making mean for the UK’s creative cultural and heritage ecosystem? What could the risks and opportunities be? And what can we do to use this moment of change to address some of the structural barriers that hold our sectors and communities back? Join thought leaders, academics, civil servants, decision makers and creative practitioners on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to hear more about the key findings and recommendations coming out of a year-long research and open policy development programme led by Culture Commons and 30 UK-wide partners. You’ll be able to join a critical national policy conversation, make your views heard and connect with representatives from across the many sectors who make up the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem too. #charities #diversity #inclusion #equality #equity #UK #ecosystem #creative #culture #heritage #CultureCommons #BlackLinkedIn https://lnkd.in/emKMc8Ng

Our latest report takes a deep look into the state of civic health in Australia, at a time where both public trust and social cohesion are in significant decline. A review of several important reports in this space, our aim is to help readers understand this decline and how they can contribute to the regeneration of a thriving civic life. Read here 👉 https://buff.ly/4brChjP #australianleadership #civichealth

"Too many arts centers are like sleeping giants in our towns and cities, waiting to unlock their full potential for contributing to the country's recovery. The cultural, economic, and social impact they can have is immense. Here's hoping the government and industry recognize the incredible opportunity they present. This article helps to understand why!