Our Advisory Group

Our Advisory Group is an independent, sector‑led body that brings together a diverse range of voices from across Greater Essex’s cultural landscape. Their core purpose is to ensure that Counting Culture achieves genuine breadth and depth of reach—geographically, socially and across all artforms and organisational types.

As critical friends, they help us remain accountable to the sector we serve. They provide insight, constructive challenge and strategic steer, ensuring our work remains grounded in lived realities and aligned with the needs and ambitions of cultural practitioners, organisations and communities. Through their local knowledge and expertise, they help us understand where the gaps are, where engagement could be strengthened, and how Counting Culture can reflect the full richness and variety of cultural life across Greater Essex.

The Advisory Group also plays a vital role in ensuring the initiative is representative and inclusive. They help us test assumptions, diversify perspectives and champion voices that might otherwise be under‑represented. In doing so, they support us to build an evidence base and a set of tools that truly speak for the whole sector, not just its most resourced or most visible parts.

A key part of their remit is to help Counting Culture land with policy and decision makers. By drawing on their networks, influence and experience, the Advisory Group supports us to position the work within local, regional and national conversations about culture, place‑making, investment, and social impact. They advise on messaging, opportunities, and timing—helping ensure that the insights generated through Counting Culture can meaningfully inform strategy, funding decisions and long‑term cultural planning.

Overall, the Advisory Group exists to keep Counting Culture grounded, relevant and impactful—ensuring that it serves the sector, strengthens cultural value, and supports informed decision‑making across Greater Essex.