Creative High Streets
The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) and Arts Council England have joined forces to provide guidance on the clear, decisive action that can be taken by the cultural and creative sector to breathe new life into our high streets and kickstart a whole new economy for towns.
A new report, Creative High Streets, provides a clear roadmap and practical guidance for any town in the South East, and speaks to all partners on how they can utilise the creative offering in their area to drive communities back onto the high streets. It highlights the unparalleled power of partnership working to drive true change and prosperity for local areas, despite the vast size of the South East and the diversity within the region.
“Enabling and developing strategies for High Street recovery has never been more important. In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economies of our towns in the South East, the challenges facing our High Streets have accelerated. Yet we have seen new ways of working and innovative ideas led by the creative sector that have begun to change this story.
“This report, jointly funded by SELEP and Arts Council England, presents a detailed an evidence base and clear call to action for all stakeholders to take advantage of the growth opportunity for the creative sector in our High Streets.
“Our ambition is for this report to be a starting point for sustained action, leading to further funding opportunities and projects, and promoting the wider strategic ambitions of SELEP as articulated in the SELEP Recovery & Renewal Strategy.”
Sarah Dance – Deputy Chair, South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP)
“We are excited to welcome this report, jointly commissioned by SELEP and Arts Council England. The role that the cultural sector is playing in High Street regeneration up and down the country is already significant.
“This report helps to highlight some exciting and inspiring examples in the South East and is also invaluable in setting out strategies and practical steps which can be used to help facilitate regeneration through cultural activity.
“The range of ideas, the innovative practices outlined and the scalability of the activity all underline the practical and action-based nature of the report and we look forward to engaging further with High Streets across the South East over the months and years to come.”
Hazel Edwards – South East Area Director (Arts Council England)