Agenda item

Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, provided an update on Cultural Strategy for Barnsley.  Members heard of the challenges in Barnsley including low levels of engagement and participation in culture and community life.  Noted was the democratic and co-created approach to activity across the borough more widely including Principal Towns.

It was acknowledged that a strategic framework for culture was needed for the borough.  This would:-

·         Gather together representative community groups to understand the needs and requirements for people in Barnsley.

·         Note that the process of talking to communities is key, and would embed engagement processes.

·         Understand the influence and role of arts and culture.

·         Map activity to understand what’s important to each area of Barnsley.

·         Identify funding resources for community work.

Kathy McArdle, Service Director Regeneration and Culture, then provided an update on Creativity and Wellbeing Week.   The week was successful back in May with the opening event sharing how culture was important for wellbeing and mental health, and the week being closed by considering how to take culture forward.

The positive impact on health, wellbeing, and broader engagement were noted. New networks and new partnerships had been formed, and the week had received great press and social media coverage.

Feedback had stressed the health and social benefits such as introducing reading as early as possible; the worthwhile experience getting close to nature due to the calming and enjoyment of surroundings and living in the present helping to reduce anxiety.

Noted was the vision to improve health and wellbeing of all residents through culture change within organisations; co-production between residents and services; a communities led approach to reduce inequalities; and knowledge sharing forums for health professionals to engage with culture professionals and share learning.

An action plan for the next 6 months and beyond had been developed, with a three-year trajectory, building on the success of Creativity and Wellbeing Week and taking this forward.

The importance of ensuring the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cultural Strategy was aligned was noted.

Positive comments were received including the reframing of how people talk about culture and the availability of activity to engage in.   It was also felt positive to see culture, creativity and wellbeing being shared in this way.

Reference was made to the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Members heard how good practice had been shared in commissioning to ensure culture was embedded into such as healthy holidays. The importance of people of all ages seeing themselves not as a spectator, but as a player, with  control and influence over the positive things in their life and able to mitigate the negative things that happen was stressed.

It was noted that young people create photographs and music on their phones and devices, utilising technology, and that this culture and content was just as important as anything in a gallery.

It was suggested that culture was about each person being an expert on their own experience, with people producing their own culture and actively changing culture. This provided a sense of purpose in all arenas in their life.

Thanks were given for providing channels for interaction and tools for people to utilise which will make a huge difference to people’s health and wellbeing.

Members heard that some funds were available in Barnsley for conservation, culture, and materials to work with schools for an art competition, providing children to craft materials for every school in Barnsley.

It was agreed that was exciting to see how the concept has expanded and grown through communities, and would be interesting to see how the aims of the strategy would be delivered.

A huge thanks was provided for the investment from the Public Health team and the Culture team into this initiative.

RESOLVED that the feedback be received, and support be given to the Cultural Strategy.