Issue - meetings
Creative Cotswolds Action Plan - Culture Strategy
Meeting: 10/07/2025 - Cabinet (Item 110)
110 Creative Cotswold's Action Plan - Culture Strategy 
PDF 539 KB
Purpose
To present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
Recommendation(s)
That the Cabinet resolves to
1. APPROVE Creative Cotswolds as the Council’s approach to supporting the Cultural Sector.
Additional documents:
- Cotswold Culture Strategy - text, item 110
PDF 289 KB
- Webcast for Creative Cotswold's Action Plan - Culture Strategy
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
The report was introduced by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health Culture and Visitor Experience.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
RESOLVED that Cabinet
- Approve Creative Cotswolds as the Council’s approach to supporting the districts cultural sector.
Voting Record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to present Creative Cotswolds to Cabinet for approval.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson introduced the Creative Cotswolds action plan, aimed at celebrating and strengthening the district’s rich cultural sector. The plan, adapted from an earlier full strategy due to anticipated Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), focused on practical steps to promote collaboration among local cultural organisations, including the Corinium Museum, Barn Theatre, Cidermill Theatre, Longborough Opera, and festivals such as the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester.
The plan proposed regular coordination meetings, cross-promotion of events, improved online visibility using the hashtag #CreativeCotswolds, and the inclusion of cultural listings on cotswolds.com. A new permanent exhibition space at the Bingham Library was cited as early progress.
Members expressed strong support for the Creative Cotswolds Action Plan, noting the district’s wide-ranging cultural offerings, from professional theatres like Longborough Opera to smaller venues such as the Sundial Theatre and local pubs hosting live music and comedy. Specific examples mentioned included exhibitions by local artist Laurie Plant at the Bingham Gallery, and cultural events at Cotswold Lakes and local breweries.
The importance of linking culture with local economic and tourism development was highlighted, with councillors recognising the potential for mutual benefit to businesses and community wellbeing. The appointment of a dedicated Leisure and Culture Manager and support officer was welcomed as a positive step to deliver the plan. The crossover between culture, business, and wellbeing was seen as a key strength of the initiative. Officers and councillors were thanked for their work on the project.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Juliet Layton.
The recommendations were put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.