Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Post

In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Join us as Baroness Philippa Stroud identifies the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud will discuss how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dUUBjE6D

I am very interested in the presentation at the Smart City Expo World Congress where the discussion will focus on how effective policies in cities can promote equality, social justice, and the well-being of their inhabitants. With urbanization on the rise, it's crucial to address these issues, as the UN estimates that by 2050, 68% of the global population will live in cities. I look forward to experts like Amaia Celaya Alvarez guiding us toward more effective solutions for building healthier communities. What innovative solutions do you think will be discussed to achieve this goal?

For every £1 invested in the cultural sector by Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales £2.51 goes back into the economy. This is an invaluable piece of research into the sector by ACW evidencing the economic impact and the potential net benefit of investing in arts and culture. The reports highlights that 10% increase in investment could increase returns to £3.29 for every £1 spent. With a 40% real terms reduction since 2010, this report is showing the evidence for why investing in culture is needed as an economic driver alongside the well established evidence for the its invaluable benefit to culture, health and well-being and society. This broad case for support shows culture makes direct benefit to the economy and is important to Wales' long term economic success as a nation which supports and enables its workforce to flourish, succeed and live long health lives. https://lnkd.in/ePR_c2Sp

📢 Today we’re excited to launch Rising Voices: Youth Perspectives on Political Engagement, a new report from Cumberland Lodge that captures how young people from across the UK feel about democracy. 📖 You can download it here: https://lnkd.in/enttS-vG From Belfast to Birmingham, Liverpool to London, my conversations with young people nationwide have uncovered some powerful insights: 1. Distrust in politics - Many young people feel disconnected from a system that hasn’t delivered on its promises. 2. Authentic representation - There’s a strong call for leaders who truly understand their lives, rather than using their voices for tokenistic gestures. 3. Desire for skills - Young people want practical tools to engage meaningfully in democracy, which they feel they are currently lacking. 4. Power in the collective ✊- While power is often seen as held by politicians and elites, young people recognise strength in numbers and their own potential to drive change. These insights are guiding our wider Youth and Democracy project, which kicked off with our first residential over the weekend. We welcomed young people from our partner youth organisations including NEYouth, Cornwall Council, YMCA Scotland and Immediate Theatre. Rebecca Seeley, Laura Herbert, Eóin Millar, Richard Campbell, Nikki Niblo, Cohen Taylor, Ryan Kearney #YouthAndDemocracy #EmpoweringConversations #DemocracyInAction #YouthVoices #PoliticalEngagement #Democracy #YouthEmpowerment

Empower yourself through civic responsibility! 🇨🇦 🗳️ Engaging in democracy is not just a right, but a duty we owe to our society. Let's heed the call to participate, amplify our voices, and uphold the principles that shape our collective future. Together, we can build a stronger, more united Canada. ☑️ Comment below about how you are participating in civic responsibility! #CivicEngagement #DemocracyMatters

Many artistic practices in our Golden State of California are embedded in traditional cultures. Artists and culture bearers use traditional craft, music, and dance to foster healing and build community. Diverse neighborhoods across the state also benefit from ethnically-specific cultural organizations. In underserved areas where there is no access to art, culturally-specific organizations provide space for creative expression and healing to youth groups and immigrant communities. Cultural strategies such as placekeeping are driving social change, helping neighborhoods maintain their cultural character, and offsetting the effects of gentrification. Programs such as California Cultural Districts help preserve the diverse fabric of our state’s cultural diversity and promote cultural tourism. We need to fully fund programs like these to ensure our state does a good job of protecting cultural communities and diversity of expression. Join our #ACCM2024 campaign this April to prove that #ArtWorkisRealWork. Visit: bit.ly/engage-accm and help us spread the word about the need to invest in creative workers and creative solutions. #InvestCAArts #CAArtsAdvocacy #CAisCreative #SupportTheArts

Did you know the arts can be a powerful tool for social change? Listen to the new episode of #LetsTalkPoverty with our own Alex Sarian to learn more about the power of arts and culture!

Interesting article penned by our consulting project manager, tonderai chiyindiko. Dig in.

Peace and Justice Peace is not a byproduct of justice, but a purpose in itself. In 🇿🇼, we must strive to create a society where peace is not just an absence of conflict, but a positive and enduring condition. By harnessing the power of justice and other systems, we can build a culture of peace that fosters community cohesion, inclusivity, and sustainable development. #CreatingACultureofPeace

Its not just about better outcomes for planning projects, the more we practice active civics the stronger and more resilient our communities and cities get.