A new culture strategy has been agreed by Enfield Council’s cabinet with a focus on connecting the borough’s rich and diverse heritage with its people, town centres and green spaces.
Culture Connects 2020-25 aims to bring together organisations, communities and young people across the borough and to promote Enfield’s identity as a bright and creative place.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ian Barnes, said: “Culture Connects is a truly collaborative approach, which means that the strategy and its fulfilment will be jointly owned by Enfield Council and the borough’s cultural and creative sector. This will include cultural organisations, creative enterprise, community groups and the business community working closely with the Millfield Theatre, the Dugdale Centre, Forty Hall & Estate and the Museum of Enfield.
“This could be a truly exciting time for Enfield, particularly as we work our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have already made some significant strides this year, particularly with the Enjoy Enfield Summer of arts which included 66 activities, events and live performances in just over two weeks attended by more than 5,000 people. The festival ended with the unveiling of five beautiful pedestrian crossings designed by local artists. These gave messages of hope for our town centres and showcased local creative talent that should be celebrated and nurtured.”
The strategy hopes to encompass a broad range of cultural activities and sectors. Enfield Council has made great strides in welcoming film, television and games production to the borough, which will help to support the underlying economy.
In addition, young people will be encouraged to connect to cultural employment, with one in six people in London employed in the cultural economy. The strategy also hopes to address inequalities by sharing and celebrating our diverse shared heritage.
Culture Connects was approved by cabinet on Wednesday 11 November and is subject to call-in.