East Suffolk Council
Celebrating and connecting culture in East Suffolk
A new network has been launched to connect creatives and celebrate the diversity of culture, arts and heritage on offer in East Suffolk.
East Suffolk has a vibrant creative sector, with a wealth of local talent inspired by the district’s beautiful coast, busy market towns and stunning rural landscapes. To highlight its commitment to culture, East Suffolk Council has now added the sector to the portfolio of Cllr Sarah Whitelock, now cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism.
The council has driven forward its Cultural Strategy and has now also created a new network for East Suffolk’s creative industry. The ‘Culture in East Suffolk’ network and accompanying newsletter aims to improve communication between the cultural sector and share opportunities, funding information, events, business support and more. A new Cultural Development Lead Officer has been appointed to deliver this activity.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock said: “Culture plays an essential role in our district, providing important social, community, economic and reputational benefits. We recognise the transformative powers of culture in our places and communities and the opportunities it provides to come together with others, enhancing our quality of life and increasing overall wellbeing. Culture is thriving in East Suffolk and the amendment to my portfolio highlights its importance and the necessity to support the creative sector.”
The council continues to support cultural sector organisations, projects, programmes, and regeneration projects in a variety of ways, including First Light Festival CIC, Lowestoft Post Office, the Cultural Quarter, Think Lowestoft, Lowestoft Town Hall, St Elizabeth Hospice Art Trail, Cultural Connections Volunteering as well as supporting many town events and community focused activities.
Cultural activities have also been offered through the Council’s Holidays and Food (HAF) programme, which provides activities for children and young people during the school holidays. Museum visits, arts programmes and music activities have all been well received and help children build confidence and foster creativity.
East Suffolk Council’s 2023 – 2028 Cultural Strategy, developed in partnership with stakeholders, is guiding the council’s efforts to help the creative sector thrive, to increase children and young people’s participation and ambition and create opportunities for residents to engage in cultural activities for their physical and mental wellbeing.
The ‘Culture in East Suffolk’ network is open to all cultural organisations and individual creators. Find out more and sign up.