Council asked to commit to York Cultural Strategy

The strategy, though funded by the Council thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was developed independently by arts, heritage and cultural organisations across the city.  It lays out a clear direction for York’s cultural development over the coming years and

The new strategy sets out six key priorities designed to ensure culture is accessible to all, helping people connect with their identity, heritage and community. It was previewed to over 250 local, regional and national organisations at Reignite XII at the Yorkshire Museum in January 2026.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said “Culture is created by the people of York and it is one of our city’s greatest strengths. It defines who we are, enriches our communities and is the backbone to a sustainable creative economy. This strategy sets out a bold and collaborative vision for culture in York, one that puts inclusivity, creativity and opportunity at the centre.

“By working closely with partners across the sector, we can ensure that culture continues to thrive and that every resident, especially our young people, can share in the benefits it brings.”

A key ambition within the strategy is for York to become the first city in the country to achieve cultural entitlement for all children and young people, with a particular focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The strategy aims to ensure culture remains integral to York’s growth, enriching the lives of residents and supporting a thriving visitor economy . It has been shaped by organisations representing the cultural sector and is designed to help attract further investment into the city at a time when many cultural organisations face significant financial pressures.

While adopting the strategy signals a step forward, the report notes that council funding is no longer available to  directly support culture. Instead, the strategy focuses on the council’s role as a coordinator working with regional and national partners to champion the value of culture and unlock opportunities for the sector.

The strategy aligns with the York and North Yorkshire Local Growth Plan, which identifies the creative and cultural industries as one of the region’s five competitive advantages. It also supports York 2032, the city’s 10‑year plan, which commits to embedding culture at the heart of placemaking and raising York’s profile nationally and internationally.

On adoption of the Cultural Strategy, the council commits to work with the Creative and Cultural Advisory Group and wider sector, to:

1. Expand the remit of the Heritage Programme to include supporting the cultural and creative sector (this will also provide council governance and oversight to further support the sector).
2. Develop the business and investment case for the Creative Catalyst, one of the projects set out in York’s Prospectus – Going for Growth with Innovation, Culture and Heritage at its heart.
3. Develop actions that respond to the Cultural Strategy, which include identifying opportunities delivered through the Local Plan, celebrate the UNESCO city of media arts, focus on wellbeing derived from participation in cultural activities and support children and young people participate in culture.
4. Work with YNYCA to support more residents work within the creative and culture sector, including through including through Trailblazers year 2 and the Get York and North Yorkshire Working Plan (currently in development).
5. Explore shared opportunities to strengthen the case for investment in York’s cultural sector (both public and private sector funding).