Pendle News Room

The research and development of the new Strategy was funded by Arts Council England and Pendle Council and led by the Pendle Leisure Trust.

Councillors at the January Policy and Resources Committee backed the new Strategy called Arts, Culture and Creativity in Pendle 2020 – 2013.  

“The new plan focuses on six priorities where arts and culture could make a significant impact on the quality of people’s lives here,” explained Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.

“We hope to use it to unlock funding for arts and culture in Pendle,” he stated. 

The six themes are health and wellbeing, a creative economy, children and young people, older people, cohesion and a sense of place.

“The Arts Council and Pendle Health and Wellbeing Partnership have shown an interest in funding aspects of an action plan.

Alison Goode, Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust said:
“We involved a wide range of stakeholders and organisations in shaping this exciting new plan, including Pendle Council, Nelson and Colne College, In-Situ arts and Building Bridges.

“Almost 500 people took part in the consultation, sharing their views about opportunities and ideas for arts, culture and creativity in Pendle,” she said.

“A recurring issue is the lack of dedicated resource to co-ordinate arts development in this area,” she explained.

“Arts and culture in Pendle is fragmented and under-developed and partners and individuals agree that we need a more co-oordinated approach,” she added.

An action plan workshop is taking place on 29 January and Pendle Council will review its investment in arts and culture later this year. 

Paul Hartley, Founder Director of Pendle arts organisation In-Situ said:

‘It’s been a while since there has been a plan to help bring these exciting arts and cultural developments together.

“In-Situ is pleased to be involved in the partnership, taking a lead in developing the vision. 

“The engagement process has been far-reaching and people have been really engaged in exploring and developing the arts and cultural potential of Pendle.

“Arts and culture will continue to have a huge impact on people living and working in Pendle and for people visiting our area,” he stated. 

“We are starting to punch above our cultural weight and put Pendle on the international map,” he added.

“This plan will help us to attract more investment,” said Paul.

An action plan for the new Strategy will get underway in March.