There is no denying that the cultural and arts industries within the last few years have globally taken a hit. However, it seems that things are on the up here in York, thanks to the hard work of local organisations and helpful schemes that have helped to keep York’s cultural presence afloat – one of which being York’s Creative Future Culture Strategy, led by Make It York.
Initially set out back in 2020, this five-year plan was created with six main priorities in mind: cultural engagement, placemaking, children and young people, talent development, culture and wellbeing, as well as York’s wider national and international presence. Upon its second year and second quarter, the plans in place look like they are certainly headed in the right direction, despite the present cost of living crisis and ongoing social changes. This spring and summer have seen an array of exciting activities and advancements across the city, including The Viking Festival, York Festival of Ideas, York Mystery Plays and York Pride. New initiatives are also gradually being introduced, providing performers and artists a chance to showcase their talent across the city.
Helen Apsey, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Make It York, said, “The York Culture Strategy has the ambition that by 2025, York is known as a place where outstanding, renowned heritage comes together with a cutting-edge and contemporary approach to creativity, reflecting the city’s rich history and its status as the UK’s first UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts.”
According to their quarterly reports, the creative sector within the city has been a very busy and successful time. Although the industry is still gradually recovering, existing networks are expanding and are giving the city a real chance for growth, by offering locals the ability to interact and share ideas.
Apsey continued, ”Make It York works closely with the cultural and creative sector, and with the City of York Council, to deliver the Culture Strategy – and we’re in a really exciting place with it. We’ve recently set up the York Culture Forum, to ensure everyone working in the culture, heritage, arts and creative sector can have a voice in the Culture Strategy’s future direction, and a platform to network and collaborate.”
With York’s Creative Future Culture Strategy now in full swing, there certainly hopes to be a more positive change towards the development of York’s creative scene in the months and years to come. Watch this space!
For more information, visit www.makeityork.com/culture.
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