A 10-year Cultural Strategy has been drawn up to help Coventry become a culturally attractive, vibrant and prosperous city for everyone who lives, works and studies in our city. The strategy will make Coventry a leading city of culture in modern Britain and help bring about future economic success and improved quality of life for residents. It has been funded by the City Council and Arts Council England with support from both the University of Warwick and Coventry University and is based on an extensive consultation process.
The Strategy builds on the heritage and culture of the city and introduces five key goals for cultural growth and seven big ideas for transforming the cultural life of the city. The initial five goals are:
Goal 1: Partnership
A new partnership approach to cultural growth will ensure access and sustainable funding for a wide range of cultural organisations, activities and events across the city. This partnership brings together the City Council, communities, the universities, local businesses and charities, and the professional and amateur cultural sectors.
Goal 2: Lifelong Learning
All children and young people have an entitlement to the arts and digital creativity in schools and in their community which is not limited by family income, location or age.
There are opportunities for all generations to learn from and develop through the arts and there will be an emphasis on lifelong learning and talent being recognised.
Goal 3: Diversity
Communities and individuals will be empowered to celebrate and share their heritage, culture, abilities and identity and take part in the cultural life of the city.
Diversity is one of Coventry's strengths and resources and Coventry is a national centre of excellence for diversity in the arts and creative industries.
Goal 4: Health and Wellbeing
Arts and culture are core to the health and wellbeing of the city, with events helping to combat isolation and mental health problems in vulnerable communities.
Culture makes a major contribution to encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
Goal 5: Economic Growth
Coventry is a culturally vibrant, attractive and prosperous city that enriches the lives and environment for all residents.
The city is a major tourist destination for the West Midlands and successfully attracts new businesses and investment, particularly in high- tech creative industries, talent development and cultural production.
An additional goal was added in early 2022, following public consultation as part of a strategy review and refresh process:
Goal 6: Coventry's Green Future
Arts and culture promote and support behavioural and environmental changes to address the climate crisis and encourage green activism. Arts and culture model circular economy practices and principles in production and
programming that bring fun, interactive and entertaining activities to celebrate and sustain the city’s green and other heritage sites.
The Coventry Cultural Strategy 2017 – 2027, has been funded by Coventry City Council and Arts Council England and was written with support from the University of Warwick and Coventry University.
Useful resources
- Coventry Cultural Strategy 2017 - 2027
- Cultural Strategy Refresh
- One Coventry (Council Plan 2016-24)
- Coventry City-wide Intelligence Hub
For more information contact:
ArtsDevelopment@coventry.gov.uk and mark the subject line 'Cultural Strategy Enquiry'
Keep up to date with cultural news and opportunities by signing up for our newsletter.