Volunteer board ready to deliver Vibrant Shropshire strategy

Vibrant Shropshire, the Cultural Compact which brings together culture, business, education, health, social care and other sectors to promote the county’s arts and culture, is launching on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

The Cultural Compact is a cross-sector partnership with a broad membership, bringing together culture, business, education, health, social care and other sectors.

Vibrant Shropshire: Cultural Compact logo

The board of 15 volunteers, who are independent of Shropshire Council, will help deliver the  Vibrant Shropshire strategy by bringing together a range of partners to embed culture in the heart of the community, as well as encouraging investment and untapping economic potential.

The board consists of members from leading organisations in Shropshire, including:

• Shropshire Council
• University Centre Shrewsbury
• Shrewsbury BID
• NHS
• Ignition
• Rural Arts Hub
• The Hive
• My Shrewsbury
• Ludlow Fringe
• Shropshire Music Service
• Information Solutions
• Soulton Hall
• Zoe Partington Associates

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-

“At its simplest definition, ‘culture’ is about what makes Shropshire special: those favourite places to go and things to do that attract and inspire visitors, both local and from further afield.

“But the reality is that our culture is represented in everything that we do. It affects every aspect of our lives, strengthening the economy, aiding health and wellbeing, and valuing and caring for the environment.

“The work of the Vibrant Shropshire board will reflect the broad reach that culture has on our society, and will support a shared cultural ambition to make Shropshire a place where extraordinary and everyday cultural experiences are a source of inspiration for all.”

The Cultural Compact has been made possible thanks to a £20,000 Arts Council England grant being awarded to Shropshire Council.

It will be responsible for:

• delivering the county’s cultural strategy and strategic projects
• raising funds to support the delivery of projects
• recruitment of Compact members
• communications and advocating on behalf of culture
• working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Music and Sport, and Arts Council England.

Anyone interested in learning more about Vibrant Shropshire is invited to attend the launch event on Wednesday 15 November 2023 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm in Room 026, University Centre Shrewsbury, The Guildhall, Shrewsbury.

To register and reserve a place please click here.