Perth and Kinross: Building a Thriving Future Through Culture
Launched in 2023, the Perth and Kinross Culture Strategy led with a bold ambition: to place culture at the centre of community wellbeing, economic growth, and placemaking through nine clear pledges and 56 direct actions.
Two years on, and progress is already clear. Creative facilities have been established, cultural services have been made more accessible, and Perth has forged stronger partnerships and international recognition for its craft heritage.
New Facilities for Local Creatives
Amongst the most tangible outcomes has been the introduction of three new community resources: a glass kiln, ceramics kiln, and photography darkroom. Based at Perth Creative Exchange, these facilities are available to the public on a flexible, pay-per-use basis.
Their delivery was made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and a partnership between the Council, Culture Perth and Kinross, and Wasps. Together, these organisations are making it easier for artists and makers to develop their practice, access professional equipment, and connect with peers.
Centralised Access and Promotion of Events
Another significant step forward is the creation of the Perthshire Box Office. This excellent centralised service brings together ticketing for culture, heritage, leisure, and tourism across Perth and Kinross.
By offering online, telephone, and in-person booking, it makes it simpler for residents and visitors to discover events and engage with local venues. It also creates a stronger platform for collaboration across the cultural and tourism sectors.
Building on UNESCO Recognition
In 2023, Perth became the UK’s first UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. This designation has opened opportunities for international collaboration and reinforced the area’s reputation for creative excellence.
The mid-term review recommends adding three new actions to build on this achievement. These include a focus on placemaking, direct support for creative businesses, and raising awareness of the UNESCO designation. A new Programme Officer role has also been created to coordinate activities and ensure the region fully benefits from this global recognition.
Long-Term Investment
Perth and Kinross Council has already invested over £50 million in cultural infrastructure in recent years. Projects such as the new Perth Museum, Perth Theatre, St Paul’s Church restoration, and the City Centre Lighting Strategy have all contributed to strengthening the region’s cultural offer.
Committee Convener, Councillor Tom McEwan, commented: “Culture is a powerful tool for inclusion, innovation, and regeneration. This Strategy reflects our ambition to harness creativity to improve lives and strengthen communities across the region.
“Perth and Kinross’s cultural profile and reputation is growing, and this has been driven by major investment. In recent years, the Council has also invested over £50m in cultural capital projects like the new Perth Museum, Perth Creative Exchange, Perth Theatre, St Paul’s Church, and the City Centre Lighting Strategy.
“This position of cultural strength has been given another huge boost by Perth’s designation as the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art. This provides a unique opportunity to build on the area’s reputation as a cultural destination and a draw for creatives and visitors.
“A UNESCO Programme Officer post has been created to develop and drive forward a programme of activities to make sure we maximise the opportunities the designation gives us.”
A Growing Profile and Confidence for Investors
The combination of international recognition, significant capital investment, and strong partnership working is deepening Perth and Kinross’s reputation as a cultural destination. For local communities, this means more opportunities to engage in creative activity, greater access to facilities and jobs, and stronger connections through shared cultural experiences.
For businesses and investors, the message is clear; investment in culture is a driver of success. It creates confidence and signals a region with a clear commitment to sustainable growth, improved quality of life, and strong community identity; all vital foundations for economic success.
These recently reported results all work towards:
- Enhanced placemaking: making the region more attractive to residents, visitors, and businesses.
- A boost for tourism and footfall: bringing more people into the local economy.
- Support for the creative ecosystem: encouraging new business formation, attract talent and innovation.
- Strengthening our global profile: positioning Perth and Kinross on the international stage.
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