Knowsley Council’s Cabinet has welcomed, and accepted recommendations made by the Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee in its review of Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.
Throughout 2022, the Council’s Culture Team developed a packed 12-month cultural programme celebrating Knowsley’s rich history and heritage with events taking place in every corner of the borough. The programme was made possible with investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Arts Council England, National Heritage Lottery Fund and a significant investment by Knowsley Council.
The report states that “Knowsley had been successful in delivering a highly ambitious programme which was generating a wide range of positive outcomes in terms of wellbeing, skills and education, community cohesion and economic growth.”
The Scrutiny Committee attended events throughout year and spoke with members of the community, volunteers, artists and creatives who were involved in the programme as well as other key stakeholders to arrive at eight recommendations building on the legacy of the Borough of Culture year.
These recommendations include:
- Ensuring a legacy of culture by capitalising on the relationships built and skills gained in our Borough of Culture Year, as well as maximising opportunities to use new physical assets – such as Shakespeare North Playhouse – and to keep volunteers engaged.
- Building on the engagement with children and young people to raise aspirations and instil a passion for culture.
- Additional support to be given to grow the creative and cultural sector in Knowsley to boost the local economy.
You can view all eight recommendations here
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “Over the last 12 months we have lived and breathed culture here in Knowsley. More than half a million people attended events in our Borough of Culture programme, demonstrating that not only is there a huge appetite for culture in our communities, but that these types of events bring in visitors from the wider region, which is fantastic for our local economy.
“This report sets out clear recommendations as to how we can continue that amazing legacy of culture throughout 2023, and beyond.”
You can read the full review online here: Task and Finish Report – Borough of Culture.pdf (knowsley.gov.uk)