DCMS 330/00
21 December 2000
CULTURE IS CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Culture Secretary launches Guidance for Local Authorities in
England on Local Cultural Strategies
A blueprint for improving quality of life in England was launched
today by Culture Secretary Chris Smith.
'Creating Opportunities' - is a step-by-step guide for councils aimed
at giving local people the chance to get the most out of life by
exploiting cultural and recreational opportunities on their doorstep.
The guide sets out how to put together a local cultural strategy.
These strategies will
- identify cultural needs, demands and aspirations of local
communities;
- set out positive contributions cultural activities make towards
economic, social and environmental well-being;
- encourage new and holistic solutions to providing cultural
services and identify opportunities to meet local needs; and
- give a clear direction on how cultural objectives will be met
Cultural Secretary Chris Smith said:
"The Government wants to improve the quality of life for all.
Cultural and sporting services have much to offer and communities
have much to gain, through a constructive, strategic approach to
their provision.
"Cultural services play a crucial role, in our society. They can also
help to tackle social exclusion, contributing to regeneration,
promoting safer communities, encouraging healthier lifestyles as well
as providing opportunities for voluntary and community activity and
stimulating lifelong learning.
"Creating Opportunities, the new guidance published today, is an
important tool for developing a cultural vision in response to the
needs and aspirations of local communities. I urge all local
authorities to recognise the benefits of developing their own local
cultural strategy."
Notes to Editors
1. The Guidance - 'Creating Opportunities' - was prepared in
partnership by the Government, the Local Government Association
and the Chief Cultural and Leisure Officers' Association and a
steering group of professional associations and non-government
agencies.
2. In June 1999, the Department published draft guidance and asked
fourteen local authorities to take part in a pilot scheme to
produce their own local cultural strategy using draft guidance.
The experience of those pilots has informed the final Guidance now
published.
The local authorities are:
Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Bolton
Bradford
Cherwell
Cornwall (County & districts)
Easington
Hounslow
Newham
Nottinghamshire (County & districts)
South Northants
South Kesteven
Southen-on-Sea
Torridge/North Devon
Wolverhampton
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