Help to shape Southampton’s Cultural Strategy 2021-2031

Southampton City Council would like your views and feedback on Southampton’s draft Cultural Strategy 2021-2031

The consultation, open from Monday 13 September until Sunday 31 October 2021, outlines details of the proposed draft vision, goals, priorities and investment opportunities. It sets out where Southampton is now and where we want to be in the future; it seeks to understand our strengths, weaknesses and future investment opportunities that meets the needs of our local communities, as well as attracting visitors and businesses to Southampton.

Culture can be defined as heritage and arts, visiting museums, galleries, archives and libraries; attending theatres, events and festivals; taking part in music, dance and other forms of self-expression; participating in volunteering to look after heritage assets including parks and gardens, or the cultural activities undertaken in local communities.

Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Heritage said: “Having a cultural provision and opportunities that are inclusive and representative of the diversity of our communities and the needs of people across the generations is incredibly important.

"We welcome your reflections and feedback on our draft Cultural Strategy, drawn on the extensive consultation undertaken as part of the development of our bid to become UK City of Culture in 2025.

“We live in a great city and we want to celebrate our important heritage, arts, events and wider cultural activity across Southampton. Now is your opportunity to have your say and help us shape our ambition to become an internationally recognised, high quality cultural destination.”

It is a requirement of a local authority to have a Cultural Strategy which sets out a city-wide commitment to investing in and supporting Culture, and the role that it can play in supporting wider economic, social and environmental strategies.

Please complete the questionnaire to read more about the proposals and to give us your feedback by going to the Consultation on a Draft Cultural Strategy 2021-2031 page. Paper copies can also be requested at any Southampton Library.