By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Arts, culture and heritage will get a £120,000 boost in the Forest of Dean as council chiefs aim to develop a strategy for the sector.
District leaders have agreed to set aside the funding to help develop the strategy and employ a dedicated officer.
The main purpose of the three-year post is to lead on the development of the strategy and action plan and help to enhance the Forest’s cultural offering and enable the cultural and creative sector to prosper.
Thriving communities cabinet member Jackie Dale (G, Pillowell) presented the report at last night’s (October 9) Forest of Dean District Council meeting.
“We are fortunate in the Forest of Dean to have a vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector,” she told the cabinet.
“With council support, the sector could flourish and do even more to enhance our communities.
“We need an arts culture and heritage officer to help develop a strategy in partnership with the sector.”
She said the strategy would link all aspects of the council plan and enhance its delivery in imaginative ways
“It would support our market towns’ regeneration strategy and form a crucial element of our biosphere proposal,” she said.
“It would help improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and communities.
“A thriving arts culture and heritage sector would enrich all of our lives.”
She also said the Arts Council England said such a strategy could leverage more money into the sector
“Support breads success and garners further funding,” she said.
Councillor Johnathan Lane (G, Tidenham) echoed the contribution of the arts and culture industry makes to the Forest of Dean’s economy.
“It’s really big and sometimes it does not go acknowledged”, he said.
“Hopefully this can play a part in being one step along the journey of creating a more dynamic economy in the Forest of Dean.”
And Councillor Sid Phelps (G, Lydbrook), who seconded the proposal, said it was fantastic.
“I’m absolutely delighted, the Forest of Dean as we know is a wonderful place for culture and heritage,” he said.
He thanked the chief finance officer for finding the money and Cllr Dale’s persistence.
“This will be more than a strategy. It will be a wonderful legacy for us to go forward.”
Work on the strategy is underway and they are hoping to get an officer in place by the end of the year.