A bold new plan to boost the borough’s cultural profile, widen access to culture, and drive growth and investment has been unveiled with the launch of Solihull’s first ever cultural strategy.
Local artists and organisations came together at The Core on Thursday 21 August as Solihull Council launched the Cultural Strategy for Solihull 2025-2035.
Developed collaboratively with residents, the arts and culture sector, and the wider community, the strategy aims to use the power of culture to improve the lives of residents and strengthen communities, economic development, health, and wellbeing.
It will see the formation of a new cross-sector partnership group called Solihull Cultural Compact to grow and develop Solihull’s cultural offering; attract funding, investment and visitors; and increase the number of people engaging in culture.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said:
“Culture is an intrinsic part of Solihull’s economy. We have almost 6,000 employees in the creative and cultural industries – higher than the England average per 1,000 people – and boast a vibrant cultural scene with a diverse range of arts, heritage and community-focused events, initiatives, and organisations.
“Culture has the power to drive growth, foster connections, and enhance lives – something everybody, regardless of background, should have equal access to.
“I am therefore immensely proud to launch our first ever cultural strategy, cementing our commitment to a bold and ambitious long-term vision for Solihull which places arts and culture at the heart of the borough.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said:
“Creativity and culture enrich lives, connect communities, and boost local economies. We’re delighted to see that Solihull has developed a strategy that places culture firmly at its heart.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy and inspiration that creativity and culture can bring, and we look forward to seeing the difference it will make to local people.”
The strategy has been developed through a series of consultations, research, surveys and workshops.
It is underpinned by four pillars: a bold and connected leadership for culture; for the benefit of all people and places of Solihull; grow infrastructure to allow culture to flourish; and valuing and investing in creative people.
The Council is looking for individuals within the cultural sector, or any other interested parties, to form part of Solihull Cultural Compact and help shape culture in Solihull.
To register your interest in Solihull Cultural Compact, or to read the full strategy, visit www.solihull.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/our-vision-solihull/cultural-strategy.