Strategy outlines growth of Perth and Kinross culture

A report to members of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee outlines the progress made since the Strategy was first approved in May 2023. The Culture Strategy consists of nine cultural pledges with a combined total of 56 actions.

Key achievements include:

• The introduction of three community assets which have been delivered through our UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art designation activity. Housed in Wasps (Workshop and Artists Studio Provision Scotland) Perth Creative Exchange, these new assets (a glass kiln, ceramics kiln and photography dark room) are available to members of our community on a pay-for-what-you-use basis. Using UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the delivery of these new resources has only been made possible through the strong partnership that exists between the Council, Culture PK, and Wasps.
• Perthshire Box Office, an initiative offering a centralised online, telephone and in-person ticketing service for culture, heritage, leisure and tourism sectors in Perth and Kinross. The introduction of this one-stop-shop, which includes all forms of event bookings, is a collaboration between participating partners across Perth and Kinross.

The mid-term report will be considered by councillors on Wednesday 1 October, with recommendations to approve the addition of three new actions which build on Perth's status as a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. These will focus on placemaking, support for creatives and craft businesses, and awareness raising of the designation.

Committee Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, said: "Culture is a powerful tool for inclusion, innovation, and regeneration. This Strategy reflects our ambition to harness creativity to improve lives and strengthen communities across the region.

"Perth and Kinross's cultural profile and reputation is growing, and this has been driven by major investment. In recent years the Council has also invested over £50m in cultural capital projects like the new Perth Museum, Perth Creative Exchange, Perth Theatre, St Paul's Church, and the City Centre Lighting Strategy.

"This position of cultural strength has been given another huge boost by Perth's designation as the UK's first and only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. This provides a unique opportunity to build on the area's reputation as a cultural destination and a draw for creatives and visitors.

"A UNESCO Programme Officer post has been created to develop and drive forward a programme of activities to make sure we maximise the opportunities the designation gives us."