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The new cultural strategy, which sets out a shared vision for the cultural development of the Winchester district until 2030, was written by the city council and co-designed by a range of cultural organisations, now known as the Cultural Collective.

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The new cultural strategy, which sets out a shared vision for the cultural development of the Winchester district until 2030, was written by the city council and co-designed by a range of cultural organisations. It aims to document the district's cultural offer and its benefits, encourage and facilitate collaborative work, and serve as a lever to attract investment. The strategy was developed and will be delivered in partnership and intends to empower organisations, communities and individuals to create their own cultural and creative activity.
Winchester District's creative dynamism enriches lives and makes amazing things happen.
Priorities
The document sets out four priority areas.
Education and Young People

Some young people will not have the opportunity to engage with culture through their everyday lives or, increasingly, mainstream education. 30% of Winchester residents are under 25 and therefore represent a large proportion of our population. We recognise that cultural education is enriching beyond the activity itself, improving confidence, coordination, organisation, teamwork and wellbeing.

Placemaking

Culture and heritage can be transformational for a place, offering spaces and opportunities for communities to come together. There is an opportunity to use the place as a canvas and allow culture to grow from the community. The opportunity to celebrate and bring to the fore the uniqueness of Winchester, "where the past and present collide". 88% of residents surveyed thought creative and cultural activities help make the Winchester district a better place in which to live, work, visit and play.

Economy and Creative Industries

The creative industries play a crucial role in the economy of Winchester, contributing £283m (GVA) in 2019 and employing almost 5,000 people in 2021. The creative industries harness imagination, entrepreneurship and innovation, generating growth even in difficult times. The workforce is bolstered by both universities and our proximity to London. The workforce is projected to grow by a further 7.5% between 2021 and 2032. 92% of residents surveyed thought we should support and encourage the creative industries.

Events and Festivals

Events and festivals are a platform to explore culture and community in a diverse and inclusive way. Winchester district hosts approximately 30 mid to large scale events and festivals each year celebrating a wide range of genres such as: outdoor arts, heritage, theatre, food and drink, poetry, books, fashion, and sports. Opportunities for people to come together and share experiences help build a sense of community and civic pride. 87% of residents surveyed thought we should use creative and cultural activity to bring people together.

Themes
Three themes underpin the strategy.
Inclusion and Diversity

Increased diversity and inclusion broadens perspectives, introduces new ideas, bolsters creativity and supports people who may otherwise be underrepresented. Winchester is predominantly white (88%), in very good health (53%), physically able (84%) and heterosexual (90%). The cultural workforce and programming generally reflect this traditional demographic and sustained effort to review hiring and programming practices is required to bring about change. 77% of residents surveyed said cultural and creative activities help them feel part of the community.

Environmental Responsibility

Climate change is one of the most urgent and pressing challenges we face today. A thriving natural environment underpins a healthy, prosperous society but nature is in long term decline. The cultural sector inspires people to explore the great outdoors and uses nature to inspire great works of art. We believe in safeguarding our environment. We will review our practices and policies and ensure we are taking the measures needed to reduce our impact.

Health and Wellbeing

The positive role culture and creativity can play an individual's health and wellbeing is undeniable. This was never more evident than during the Covid-19 pandemic, people turned to creativity to maintain and improve their mental wellbeing. We believe access to cultural and creative activity will lead to happier and healthier people. 87% of residents surveyed thought cultural and creative activities contribute to Winchester district residents' wellbeing.

The strategy is available to download from the right-hand side of this page and highlights the distinctiveness of Winchester district's cultural offer as well as more detail on the above themes and priorities, our vision and values and action plans.

If you are interested in joining a working group or supporting the delivery of the Cultural Strategy in any way, please complete this form, indicating your area and level of interest.

Alongside a stakeholder group, over 100 individuals working within or alongside the cultural sector have helped inform the strategy, and over 500 residents have contributed their thoughts on what culture and creativity mean to them. Extensive desk research was also conducted, including demographics and audience profiles of Winchester district, asset mapping and benchmarking exercises - please see the 'Evidence Base' on the right-hand side for more information.

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Throughout 2023, Winchester City Council officers led the development of a new Winchester District Cultural Strategy.The new cultural strategy, which...

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November

BIMA Digital Day gives 11-16 year olds an insight into a world of digital careers.

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The only initiative of its kind, BIMA Digital Day gives 11-16 year olds an insight into a world of digital careers. Students compete in a sponsored, nationwide digital challenge for a chance to win £500 cash for their school and some fantastic prizes for themselves.
Why Does Digital Day Matter?
It's a day that brings digital to life. And if previous years are anything to go by, it's a day that changes lives. Not so long ago, 95% of BIMA members told us a lack of skills was holding back their growth. The Centre for Economics and Business Research agreed, saying the shortage of tech and digital talent is costing the UK £21.8bn.

Pandemic aside, digital has been growing at twice the rate of the broader economy. But unless we fix the skills shortage, that can't continue. Digital Day works for schools. It works for students. It works for the sector as a whole in encouraging more young people to discover the potential of a digital career. And with every passing year, it matters more than ever.

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The only initiative of its kind, BIMA Digital Day gives 11-16 year olds an insight into a world of digital careers. Students compete in a sponsored, nationwide digital challenge for a chance to win £500 cash for their school and some fantastic prizes for themselves. Why Does Digital Day Matter?

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November

Discover Creative Careers is an industry-led programme that is working to ensure there is a larger and more diverse intake of talent via a broader range of routes into the creative industries.

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Find your perfect role in the creative industries - Creative Careers

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Use the filters on the left to discover a range of job profiles across the creative industries, featuring careers information from our industry partners.

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Creative places to take students in Winchester district.

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Arts News gives you information on what the Winchester district-based creative practitioners are up to, what you can take part in and what opportunities are available for professional development, e.g. training, funding, commissions, jobs.

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The e-newsletter for the creative community

Arts News gives you information on what the Winchester district-based creative practitioners are up to, what you can take part in and what opportunities are available for professional development, e.g. training, funding, commissions, jobs, etc.

If you have a feature you would like to be included in Arts News please complete our article submission form but please remember that the feature should only relate to the art community.

If you would like to promote your event please use our What's on page

To join the Arts News mailing list please complete this form.

The latest issue of Arts News can be downloaded on the right.

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The e-newsletter for the creative community Arts News gives you information on what the Winchester district-based creative practitioners...

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This directory has been compiled to help inform residents and visitors of the organisations, locations and individuals delivering cultural and creative activity across Winchester district. From dance classes and music groups, to creative businesses and freelance artists through to venues and events - a one stop shop to understand everything creative the Winchester district has to offer.

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This catalogue has been compiled to help inform event organisers of the venues, suppliers and support available for delivering an event in Winchester district. All suppliers listed are based within (or very near to) Winchester district, reducing carbon emissions due to travel.

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Artsmark empowers teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum.

Artsmark is open to primary, secondary and special schools, as well as hospital schools, pupil referral units, youth offending teams and sixth form colleges in England.

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The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England.

We support settings to develop and celebrate their commitment to arts and cultural education for all children and young people.

Our flexible framework helps embed arts, culture and creativity to support a broad and ambitious curriculum, strengthen pupil voice and support personal progression.

Why Artsmark?

Support the health and wellbeing of pupils with arts, culture and creativity

Ensure every young person can be creative and access a diverse, high-quality cultural education

Engage, motivate and upskill teaching staff using Artsmark's CPD and whole school collaboration

Access professional support, advice and resources to strengthen your arts provision

Read more about the benefits of Artsmark.
Who's Artsmark for?

Artsmark is open to;

primary schools

secondary schools

special schools

pupil referral units

youth offending teams

secure settings

hospital schools

sixth form colleges

As Artsmark is an Arts Council England programme, only settings in England (including BFPO schools) are eligible.

Artsmark Awards

Artsmark is awarded at three levels; Silver, Gold and Platinum.

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The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England.

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June

Brings a range of organisations together to allow young people to explore the various pathways into the games and creative industries, highlighting the importance of transferable skills, and preparing students to be “job ready”.

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November

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National Illustration Day | Quentin Blake Centre

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National Illustration Day | It’s the UK’s national day to celebrate illustration with Quentin Blake Centre

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Winchester creatives who offer workshops in schools.

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A selection of resources explaining and exploring creative careers. Below there are more detailed resources, divided by sector.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Advertising and Marketing.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Arts and Crafts.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in TV, Film and Radio.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Design and Architecture.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Digital, ames, Animation.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Fashion.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Heritage and Museums.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Dance, Music and Theatre.

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Information, resources, networks and local links for exploring careers in Creative Writing, Publishing and Journalism.

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Writing, Publishing & Journalism careers

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June

Sky Arts' Access All Arts week is a nationwide, week-long celebration of the arts, specially designed for primary schools.

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Sky Access All Arts Week 6-10 June 2022

Ready-to-teach videos and creative resources

From leading artists and performers

To take primary pupils on a journey through the arts

Download Resources

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To take primary pupils on a journey through the arts

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A week of events for everyone, organised by local communities, environmental groups, educational institutions, faith groups, local authorities and businesses in the Winchester District. A sustainable future can be created by all of us growing greener together.

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A week of events for everyone, organised by local communities, environmental groups, educational institutions, faith groups, local authorities and businesses in the Winchester District. A sustainable future can be created by all of us growing greener toge

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November

National campaign to inspire people aged 16+ to consider a career in publishing includes events, activity across social media and content on our website.

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Work in Publishing Week is a national campaign which takes place in November every year, aiming to inspire young people to pursue a career in publishing.

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Powered by Arts Council England, the network is designed to support teachers, freelance teaching artists and educators at creative and cultural organisations. They offer free one-to-one guidance to keep arts and culture thriving in education across England.

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The Cultural Education Network supports teachers, freelance teaching artists and staff from cultural organisations in England. Their team of learning specialists offer mentoring, networking and skill-building opportunities.