Ealing Council is seeking your views and suggestions to inform the development of a new ‘cultural manifesto’ and the cultural renewal plans for the borough.
Ealing has a rich tradition of culture, from Ealing Studios where many great films have been and continue to be produced, to more recent activities such as the Ealing Summer Festivals, with this year’s festivals starting in July.
To build on this, the council is developing a cultural manifesto and renewal plan that develops the arts, culture and heritage offer with a clear focus and direction for both the council and Ealing’s creative sector.
The plan is being developed by the Culture Task Group, a diverse group of 16 individuals and organisations, representing the creative arts in Ealing, who have come together with the council to co-develop the manifesto.
An exciting vision and action plan
Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for thriving communities commented: “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on culture and the creative and night-time industries but it has also shown the invaluable contribution that culture can make to revitalise places, support economic recovery and bring connection and support to our communities.
“Together with the Culture Task Group, we will develop an exciting vision and action plan which will promote excellence and accessibility to our arts, culture and heritage offer, and provides growth, resilience and sustainability of our creative economy and skills.”
To inform the manifesto, the Culture Task Group is looking for local residents, businesses and organisations to feedback their views. The consultation opened on 27 June and will remain open until 21 August. All details are available on the council’s website.
Creative installation
There will also be three Youth Collectives in Acton, Greenford and Northolt to engage directly with young people in the borough.
A creative installation will also travel across the borough to the seven towns from early July, which will be an innovative conversation starter and chance to provide very local views on art and culture. The dates and locations for the three Youth Collectives and the touring creative installation will be confirmed as soon as they are arranged.
“I encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation” said Councillor Anand. “Whether you take part online or directly through the local interactive activity, your ideas and views are very welcome.”
Beyond the development of the cultural manifesto, if you would like to be engaged or be kept informed on opportunities around arts, culture and creativity, you can join the Ealing Arts & Culture Network. This is open to everyone living or working in the Ealing creative sector. The network shares job and funding opportunities as well as other relevant information. The group meets a couple of times a year with external invited speakers. For more information on the network and how to join, please email Culture@Ealing.gov.uk.
