Feedback on the draft Culture, Arts and Heritage Strategy

Overview

This draft strategy was approved at the full Council meeting on the 25th of September to be published for comment by the public. 

It sets out a plan to celebrate, protect and grow the culture, arts and heritage of the Scottish Borders. It’s based on conversations with local people, artists, charities, businesses and national organisations. The aim is to make culture more visible, accessible and meaningful to everyone who lives in or visits the region.

Culture in the Borders is broad—it includes traditions, stories, historic buildings, creative industries, nature, tourism, and community events. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about identity, wellbeing, education and economic growth.

Below is the Draft Strategy, in PDF format, at the bottom of the page are strategy and appendices for download.

Why your views matter

By responding to this survey your views will be gathered to inform the refinement of startegy in to an action plan the will help to shape the future of culture, arts and heritage in the region. 

This is a living strategy. It will evolve over time based on feedback and changing needs of our communities and to support the sector to respond to innovations and challenges. The first year will focus on building partnerships and delivering quick wins and developing a Cultural Partnership model which will bring together a cross section of interested people and organisations to look at how to improve cultural access and development in the Borders.

The Partnership will be based on a 3 x 3 year approach, looking at preparing and establishing a group in the first phase, moving into building and developing the partnership in the middle period, and moving into a sustainable position for the partnership to get in to the larger transformative work.  Aligning the strategy actions to the partnership model will help to set out timelines to deliver on actions.

Over time, the goal is to create a thriving cultural ecosystem that reaches every part of the Borders.Culture is for everyone. This strategy is about making sure it’s inclusive, ambitious and sustainable—now and for future generations. 

Your input at this stage helps us to make sure that this becomes a plan that is working hard for all Borderers.