A NEW ten-year plan has been launched to enhance Coventry’s reputation as a culture and arts city.
Coventry Culture Works will see the city council join forces with the area’s two universities to boost investment into local cultural and creative projects.
This new plan will also aim to attract new events, artists and companies into Coventry as well as educate and inspire the city’s next generation of creative talent.
It also includes a commitment to joint investment from the three organisations in a new Head of Culture and Creative Economy role.
Coventry Culture Works will aim to drive wider economic growth and regeneration in the city.
And a new cultural project grants programme is in development which will be available to local community organisations.
The University of Warwick will be launching Warwick’s Culture, a new strategy building on its existing commitments including investment in sustainability and new partnerships.
Coventry University will be creating a hub within the new city centre cultural gateway, which is being created in the old IKEA building.
The hub will include a gallery, café, library and exhibition space, dance studio and more.
The new plan looks to build on the events held during Coventry’s City of Culture year.
Coun David Welsh, whose Cabinet Portfolio of Housing and Communities covers arts and culture, said the partnership would provide future opportunities for arts and culture organisations across the city.
“Working alongside the two universities means we can build on what has already been achieved in recent years, support the city’s cultural organisations, and focus on delivering an ambitious cultural offer.”
Prof Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, added: “We’re delighted to help build on the city’s growing reputation as a major cultural hub within the UK and Europe.
“Through the creation of Coventry Culture Works, we hope to make Coventry an even more inviting place for visitors and a home for artists, companies and creatives to thrive in.”
