Councils are highlighting the positive impact of cultural and creative services across key government objectives of economic growth, productivity, levelling up and health, as part of the LGA’s Commission on Culture and Local Government.
The LGA has launched an online case study database, showcasing more than 50 examples of councils and their cultural sector partners using innovation to address the four themes of the commission: sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; health inequalities; social mobility through cultural education and creative skills; and place.
The independent commission was launched in March of this year, chaired by Baroness Lola Young, and aims to explore the role locally funded culture can play in supporting recovery from the pandemic.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Local cultural infrastructure is essential to ensuring the widest engagement with culture, supporting community wellbeing and productivity, underpinning local economies and contributing to civic pride, but is currently under threat as a result of rising costs.
“Councils understand that we are facing a cost-of-living crisis, but these integral services must not only be preserved but invested in to support economic, health and creative recovery from the pandemic. These excellent case studies highlight just how vital culture can be in our communities.”