Culture Strategy

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is developing a culture strategy, which will set out a vision for how arts, heritage, and culture will help shape the lives of residents, organisations and businesses of the Moorlands by 2030. The strategy will contain an action plan with a dynamic roadmap of how to achieve this vision.

We want this plan to be shaped by the people who live in the Moorlands of all backgrounds - from professional artists to those who haven't taken part in arts and culture, and everyone in between - we want to hear from you!

How can I get involved?

Have your say at one of our local cultural community creative forums - we are targeting those who work across arts, culture and heritage (from individual practitioners and arts organisations through to voluntary groups and community services). At the sessions we will talk about shared priorities, ambitions and challenges, and map culture across the Moorlands.

Join us on:

• Biddulph - Biddulph Town Hall, 7^th May, 11am -1pm
• Leek - Foxlowe Arts Centre, 12th May, 3-5pm
• Cheadle - Cheadle Library, 15^th May, 3-5pm
• Online - 15^th May, 6-7.30pm

Everyone is welcome - whether you're deeply involved or just starting out, this is your space to contribute.

We would also like to hear from local people on what cultural activities you participate in, where you visit, and if you don't, what the barriers are to taking part.

Book your free place online.

Why are we doing this?

This strategy is essential for identifying opportunities that will lead to future investments in our district and improve opportunity to enjoy cultural activities for everyone. By sharing your thoughts, you will help shape future projects that enhance health and wellbeing and provide valuable skills for our community.

Why is this strategy needed?

The culture strategy aims to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of Staffordshire Moorlands. Your input will help us understand why people don't take part in creative activities and identify what cultural offerings are most appealing to local people.

Complete our short survey

Please complete our short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/staffmoorlandsculture and have your voice heard...

The survey will close on 18th May 2025 at 5pm.

Keep an eye on the Cultural Strategy website page, and the Council's social media accounts to stay up to date on opportunities to get involved.

What do we mean by "culture"?

We define "culture" to include all creative and heritage activities, objects, and buildings, as well as the cultural significance of our landscapes.

What's included:

• Arts (visual and performing)
• Architecture
• Archaeology
• Literature and books
• Creative businesses and organizations
• Crafts and design
• Film and galleries
• Heritage (including historic buildings)
• History, libraries, museums, and monuments
• Landscapes
• Music
• Performance spaces and voluntary organizations
• Volunteers

What's not included:

• Sports and leisure centres
• Practice of religion (historic religious buildings are included)
• Food

How will the strategy be created?

Development of the strategy is underway. The survey is open until 18th May 2025 and creative forums run until the end of May 2025.

If you have information you would like to share for the strategy or any questions, please email culturestrategy@thehamiltonproject.co.uk.