Newcastle Creates sets out new vision for culture in the city

Newcastle’s Cultural Compact, Newcastle Creates, was launched with an open call for everyone who lives and works in the city to have their say in its cultural future.

The organisation has been tasked with setting a bold new agenda for culture in Newcastle, one that will put culture at the heart of the city, its communities and sustainable social and economic development.

Cllr Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council said, “Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “I’m delighted and proud that we are placing culture at the centre of our city’s future. Newcastle has a brilliant, unique cultural identity, one that is rightly recognised and celebrated around the world.

“Culture is also critical to the success of our local economy and it supports the wellbeing of our residents. Now more than ever, it’s important to recognise the role that culture plays in creating vibrant, successful communities.”

The launch laid out the aims and ambitions of Newcastle Creates through six key themes; inclusion, prosperity, opportunity, place, wellbeing and climate, which were discussed by speakers leading the way in those sectors across the city.

Joanna Chapman, chair of Newcastle Creates said, “We have ambitious plans to champion culture in the city. As our speakers have demonstrated today; creativity can be a positive force for health and wellbeing and culture should be inclusive and reflect the people, stories and history of the city.

“The cultural sector can also influence, advocate, and inform policy to create change in response to the climate emergency. Culture can be central to an inclusive economy and creates opportunity and shared prosperity for all. To facilitate that, Newcastle should be the best place to develop creative skills and creativity should be central to young people’s lives.”

Newcastle Creates has been designed as a co-operative, and it is encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds and organisations to join as members. The aim is to ensure a collaborative approach, bringing people from across sectors and communities together to shape and develop the cultural life of the city.

Ben Dickenson, vice chair of Newcastle Creates said “The formation of the Newcastle Creates is a unique opportunity for a completely new approach to setting the agenda for culture in Newcastle. We want to encourage as many people as possible to join us. We’re building a community-based model that will prioritise learning, sharing, exchanging and partnering.

“So, whether you’re an artist or a maker, teacher or health professional, a CEO or representative of a cultural institution, we want to know how you think culture could be developed to deliver more benefit for the people of Newcastle.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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