Cities with low ‘cultural engagement’ are more likely to be deprived, according to a new report.
Culture and Place in Britain, produced by Key Cities with Arts Council England, highlights the role culture can play in boosting places and supporting communities.
It calls for a more inclusive approach to stimulating the economy and highlights the link between low cultural engagement and deprivation.
The report recommends a £100m investment in creative industry ‘microclusters’ to spread economic growth and opportunity more evenly around the country.
City leaders and councils are best placed to drive positive change within their communities, whether through improving local services, facilitating partnerships or working with other stakeholders.
But while arguing that funding is crucial Key Cities, a national network representing 27 urban centres across the UK, says giving places the powers to instigate their own initiatives is central to ensuring their long-term success.
Cllr Alan Waters, Key Cities culture portfolio lead and leader of Norwich City Council, said: ‘Culture and Place in Britain shows unequivocally that culturally engaged communities do better – not only by bringing people together, but also by creating a positive social and economic legacy.
‘As we look to level up communities across the country, we hope the Government will see the role culture could play in reimagining and regenerating our towns and cities.
‘But to do this devolution needs to go further and deeper. We urge those in Westminster to empower local authorities so they can better serve their communities.’
