August 25th, 2011.
Visitors, residents and local businesses are being invited to give their feedback on a new Cultural Development Framework for Eastbourne, a document that identifies a number of themes and actions for strengthening the town’s cultural offer.
The new framework is the result of more than six months spent looking at culture in Eastbourne; from consultation events involving over 200 people to 50 one-to-one meetings, covering professional arts and the creative economy, children and young people, sport and leisure, and culture as an overall theme.
Six actions have been identified as immediate steps for developing culture in Eastbourne, including setting up a refreshed Steering Group, seeking support from Arts Council England, and using the Devonshire Park Review to kick-start a number of related projects around this area of the town.
Those interested in sharing their comments on the framework, which places Eastbourne Borough Council as an equal partner for driving culture forward alongside the cultural sector and a wide mix of stakeholders, have until 16 September to give their feedback.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are delighted to be able to present the new Cultural Development Framework for Eastbourne; the first of many steps to really marking Eastbourne out as a fantastic cultural destination for both the local community and visitors, and I’m really looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts and comments.
“I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in the process so far, from the hundreds of people who attended our first ever Cultural Workshop at the Winter Garden in January to the hundreds that took part in our smaller consultation groups.
“We are really pleased with the new Framework and the themes it presents, putting Eastbourne’s great cultural assets and opportunities in the spotlight. There is certainly lots to build upon and work towards, both now, and in the future, to tie together all strands of cultural activity taking place in and around Eastbourne.”
The Cultural Development Framework looks at both immediate actions, as well as those, which can be achieved over the medium and long term and clearly states that is an ‘open document’, ready to change and develop in response to new opportunities and actions as they arise.
The document also highlights the need for shared action across Eastbourne Borough Council and the wider community, drawing on the strengths of partners and community groups, to deliver the Framework’s priorities and achieve shared success.
The Council will also be consulting with key national and regional bodies over the next few weeks, including English Heritage, Sport UK, BRADA, Arts Council, and local bodies such as the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Eastbourne Strategic Partnership and the voluntary sector.
For more information, to view a copy of the Framework and to share feedback, please hay your say before 16 September. The final report will be put before Council at a Cabinet meeting in October. Comments can also be made online via the Council’s facebook and twitter pages.
