Waterside Arts in Sale
A new cultural strategy that will enrich lives is set to be launched by Trafford Council.
The strategy, which will be discussed at the next Executive meeting of the Council on 24 July, aims to make the best use of the borough’s uniqueness and help develop a long-term vision.
Cllr Cath Hynes, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:
“Trafford is already world famous for its sporting brands like Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club. But culture has also played a big role in our history, continues to do so and should be at the forefront of our future plans.
“This strategy then sets out clear ambitions for how culture can be carefully nurtured and supported in order to enrich the lives of our residents, creating new opportunities for businesses and organisations to deliver cultural benefits.”
The strategy identifies the advantages Trafford has, including cultural activities at the grassroots level, as well as national presence in the form of the Imperial War Museum North and the National Trust land at Dunham Massey.
There is already an established commercial arts sector in the borough, with Trafford currently home to 25% of Greater Manchester’s creative and cultural industries workforce – including the Oscar winning Mackinnon and Saunders, based in Altrincham. Trafford’s diversity is also a strength, with a range of cultural organisations across the borough.
However, the strategy also identifies areas the Council must develop, including areas in the borough that are under-utilised for culture.
The launch also comes at a time where there is a cost-of-living crisis and there are areas of deprivation within Trafford. Cllr Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council, said it was important to be launching the strategy now.
He said:
“Culture is for all. From the youngest person picking up their first musical instrument, to the oldest citizen listening to their latest bedtime read.
“Whatever your gender, race, creed, age, sexuality – culture should be there for you. It can help you understand, it can help you realise you are not alone, it can help push boundaries, it can help you become part of a community.
“How can we afford culture? How can we afford not to have it!”
The cultural strategy can be viewed in the Executive agenda papers.
Posted on Thursday 20th July 2023