Council looks to cultural renaissance
Last updated | 21/02/2008
Perth and Kinross consistently tops quality of life surveys, with the natural environment and the breadth of the area's cultural life highlighted as key reasons for this.
Having access to high quality arts, music, historical collections, libraries and theatre is a major contributor to feeling good about yourself and the place in which you live. The last few years have been very successful for Perth and Kinross with such success stories as the Concert Hall and Perthshire Festival of the Arts, our museum's collection achieving the status of national significance and many visitors coming to the area to enjoy events such as T in the Park. Together with its history and natural environment, Perth and Kinross has many advantages and is already becoming the vibrant area it aspires to be.
Provost John Hulbert said: "However, as a Council, we want to do more. Over the next year, we will assess what else is required to make sure that Perth continues to be an attractive place to live, visit and work. Being considered will be the development of an arts centre in the city, together with artists' workspaces, £2million for the re-development of Perth Theatre in partnership with Horsecross Board and new facilities for our young musicians. The £150,000 feasibility study will also look at developments around the Concert Hall and Mill Street to assess the potential for that area as the heart of the cultural campus."
"In addition, in the next decade, the city's archives and museum collections will require more storage. These services are increasingly used by people across the world and ensuring we can meet the demand via the internet, bringing these collections to people and encouraging them to come here on holiday require different ways of working!"
Convener of Lifelong Learning, Councillor Liz Grant commented: "The focus for cultural activity will be across the entire Perth and Kinross area - the new community campuses being built through the Council's Investment in Learning Programme will provide four new public libraries in Aberfeldy, Muirton in Perth, Crieff and in Kinross."
Council Leader Councillor Ian Miller said: "All of this will need careful planning and a package of financing, with as much external and partnership support as possible. Over the next year, the Council wants to work with its partners and local communities to determine not only what makes Perth unique but what we need to do to build on the assets we have. With well considered plans, these can be used to ensure that we build on our success to date and ensure everyone benefits."
