Mayor: "Help me shape a New Deal for culture in West Yorkshire"!

21 July 2022

Plans for a Public Engagement on the Culture, Heritage and Sport Framework were approved at today’s (Thursday 21 July) meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Culture, Heritage and Sport Committee. That means, from Monday 25 July, people can give their opinions and contribute to the framework’s final content and remit via an online platform.

The draft framework is part of the Mayor’s pledge to lead a Creative New Deal to ensure our creative industries are part of the broader post-covid recovery strategy. It currently has four themes, which we propose would be the focus of Combined Authority’s support. They are:

• People - everyone in West Yorkshire can enjoy culture, heritage, and sport
• Place - West Yorkshire is a creative, sustainable, and vibrant region with culture heritage and sport at its heart 
• Skills – people can build a great career in culture, heritage or sport in West Yorkshire 
• Business - West Yorkshire is the place to grow your creative business

The draft framework also states what will be done to achieve these ambitions, and how the impact of this work will be measured. It will include investment in the relevant sectors, collaboration to help people and organisations work together, and asking central government or other funders for more investment in the region’s culture, heritage and sport. It also refers to the Combined Authority’s and the Mayor’s work to attract businesses to invest in the region in these sectors.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“There is no doubt that the arts, culture, heritage and sport bring so much joy to so many people in our region. They improve our mental and physical wellbeing, create jobs, grow our economy, and attract talented people and businesses to our region.

“This is inspiring and makes us proud of West Yorkshire. And our region is blessed with world-class culture, heritage, and sport. We are leaders in sculpture and contemporary art, with a thriving and fiercely independent music sector, a rich literary tradition, internationally significant theatre, dance and opera companies, major music and literature festivals, and cutting-edge hubs for the games, screen, and events industries. This is served by an eco-system of innovative small and medium enterprises and freelancers. 

“But to ensure we retain these incredible assets and make them event greater for future generations, we want to hear people’s views on our plans. So, my message to everyone is please contribute to this engagement and share your opinions.”

The Public Engagement on the Culture, Heritage and Sport Framework begins on 25 July and continues until 18 September 2022.