Does Culture Matter in the Moorlands?

We can be deceived into thinking that culture is not relevant to us as we're washing the dishes or walking the dog, but that's not so. The tunes we listen to, the plates we use, and even the name of our pet all have their roots firmly in our culture. But just what is culture?

Culture is what shapes our lives; it's what makes us unique and binds us together. It sets our view of the world and steers our course through life. It's fluid, it's dynamic, yet constant. It allows us to grow, challenge, and enjoy each moment and memory. We select our personal culture moment by moment, influenced by the past, personalities we knew or know, and our hopes for the future, deciding what matters to us, what we value, and what we love.

According to the Local Government Association, from a local government perspective, a strong cultural sector and enriching cultural life can contribute to welcoming, distinctive, and attractive places. Used effectively, culture and the institutions and services of culture—museums, libraries, festivals, etc.—can contribute toward the revitalization of communities, the development of trust, improved health and well-being, and the possibility of a more positive future.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, like many other local authorities, is developing a cultural strategy. Having a cultural strategy and strong partnerships with cultural institutions increases the likelihood of securing larger amounts of funding, such as from Arts Council England. Having a strategy in place shows that they understand the local area, its past, present, and what's wanted for the future, showing that they are committed to protecting the values the community has decided are important to them. It's critical to residents and organisations alike, and a strong identity can be formed from the culture of an area.

The Hamilton Project has been commissioned by the district council to develop the Moorlands Cultural Strategy. They plan to bring local communities together to help shape a shared cultural vision for the future.

They are inviting everyone who is interested and active in culture, heritage, and the arts to join an upcoming Creative Forums – open conversations designed to explore the ambitions, priorities, and challenges of culture and heritage across the Moorlands. The voices of artists, voluntary groups, arts or heritage organizations, or community services that use creativity in their work.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Share your ideas and experiences

• Connect with others working in culture and heritage

• Help shape the Staffordshire Moorlands cultural strategy

• Influence future opportunities, investment, and support

Creative Forums are taking place as follows:

• Biddulph – Biddulph Town Hall, 7th May, 11am -1pm

• Leek – Foxlowe Arts Centre, 12th May, 3-5pm 

• Cheadle – Cheadle Library, 15th May, 3-5pm

• Online – 15th May, 6-7.30pm 

  
  

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re deeply involved or just starting out, this is your space to contribute. Please share this open invitation with others you think will want to contribute to this shared vision.

To book your free place, click here - https://buytickets.at/thehamiltonproject

If you have any information you’d like to share for the strategy or any questions, please emailculturestrategy@thehamiltonproject.co.uk

Does Culture Matter in the Moorlands? - created 7.5.25