Defining 'culture, arts and sport'
- includes both minority and majority interests;
- both includes the excellent and encourages wider, more inclusive participation;
- values both the traditional and the experimental;
- emphasises lifelong learning and the release of creativity; and
It may therefore be useful for planners to consider the following ways in which culture, arts and sport contribute to community life:
- Place-shaping: The joint DCMS and Department for Communities and Local Government publication World Class Places
- Providing adequate and appropriate infrastructure:
- Boosting diversity and vibrancy:
1 as shown in the following table:
See also Tools and guidance
Cultural participation and engagement is not always dependent on dedicated cultural infrastructure provision. Many festivals and events which have significant impact on local areas use temporary or non-dedicated venues, such as public open spaces. Many pubs play an important role in promoting live music, and many local cultural groups, such as book clubs or choirs, meet in private houses or community halls.
Similarly, facilities will frequently have multiple uses. When resources are under pressure, co-location or multi-use is an efficient and cost-effective way to provide access to culture and sport. School, college and university facilities frequently serve an educational purpose and contribute to culture and sport provision for the wider local community; and sports facilities are often used to deliver public health programmes.
© Culture and sport planning toolkit