The four-year strategy is supported by Stirling’s Partnership for Culture and aims to realise Stirling as a place where arts, creativity and culture are recognised and promoted as truly transformational to the economy, future of its communities and to the quality of life for all Stirling’s citizens.
At the outset, the strategy identified three linked priorities at its launch in 2016.
• improve quality of life through culture
• support our creative communities
• and develop our creative and cultural industries to establish culture as a driving force for Stirling’s economy
The Partnership for Culture, which features agencies from across the council and wider Stirling area, leads on the development and delivery of the Culture Strategy, prioritising actions to be worked on collectively.
At last week’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee meeting, elected members were shown a report which showed Creative Scotland has allocated £200,000 towards a Place Partnership in Stirling.
The resource is a draw down facility, which must be matched in cash or kind by culture partners locally.
Updates were also provided on recent activity for the group, including a creative community building event held by Codebase and Creative Stirling in April while intergenerational activities, safeguarding social history and sharing knowledge and skills are being developed through a range of activities and exhibitions at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, The Engine Shed and the Pathfoot Gallery.
Committee Convenor, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “Whether the remarkable art collections of the University of Stirling and the Smith; the diverse and soul affirming events of the MacRobert and the Tolbooth; the drive, energy and nurturing approach of Creative Stirling and Artlink Central; or the education and promotion of our heritage from the Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland, the Wallace Monument and more, Stirling’s cultural offering is incredible.
“With such a strong partnership working collaboratively, I have no doubt that Stirling’s creative spirit will continue to bring visitors and enrich all of our lives in the years ahead.”
Vice convenor, Councillor Maureen Bennison said: “Lots of hard work has already gone into this strategy over the past two years and it was great to hear such a positive update.
“Building Stirling’s reputation as a venue for live music or sporting events is one of our priorities and we are achieving that every day
“It is crucial we continue to drive Stirling’s economy by attracting top-level events and the Strategy and Partnership is committed to ensuring that the value of arts, creativity and culture, and their impact on mainstream priorities is embraced by all.”