Dear Friend, 

The Cultural Strategy for the county of Northumberland was signed off and published in 2018. Having a Cultural Strategy provides us with an agreed shared vision of what we want to achieve, what are priorities are and how we attract investment into Northumberland to benefit us all.  

Given the infrastructure and global changes we have experienced, we are planning to update the strategy to reflect new ambitions and goals as a document to uplift and inspire the cultural and heritage workforce. 

You can view the current strategy here. 

Back in 2018, we promised; 

A Northumberland Culture Partnership of strategic organisations will support: – a strategic fundraising plan for capital projects and programmes – a joined up sharing of marketing and programme collaborations e.g. national/international touring of theatre productions or exhibitions – reaching and engaging with more individuals and diverse communities. We defined key indicators of success as: 

– World class cultural venues and attractions 

– A culture led tourism profile of international standing 

– Confident and entrepreneurial local people leading innovation and growth in the creative industries

Our working environments have shifted and changed; we’ve lived through a global pandemic.  Lots of us have pivoted our work to survive and we’ve partnered with new organisations here at home and globally.  There have been opportunities, capital projects and new partnerships stabilising the course ahead.  

There has also been much change and turbulence personally and professionally. 

This short survey will help inform a year-long consultation process leading to the creation of a refresh of the Cultural Strategy for the county of Northumberland.  

Inside, there are 20 survey questions designed to assess which parts of Northumberland's Cultural Strategy (2018-2030) are still fit for purpose.  Your insight and input will also gather insights for a new strategy publishing in Spring 2026. 

We would like to hear from a vast array of people working in the cultural, heritage and creative sector in Northumberland.  We are also keen to hear from audiences and those who visit local culture and live outside of the area too. 

The questions focus on engagement, accessibility, impact, and future aspirations.  We are grateful for your time, honesty and enthusiasm. 

​

These questions aim to gather insights from residents, stakeholders, and visitors to inform future strategic decisions and evaluate the relevance of the current strategy.  The results will be publicly available on the Culture Northumberland website and blog.   To receive email notification of the results of the survey, sign up here.

https://culturenorthumberland.substack.com 

If you would like to email an open letter on this topic please send it to hello@culturenorthumberland.co.uk