Counting Culture

Made in Essex is developing Counting Culture to unlock the creative potential of Greater Essex. This strategic document will have two halves:

1. The Case: A clear, evidence-based narrative showcasing the profound value and full impact of the creative and cultural sector across Greater Essex.

2. The Prospectus: An advocacy campaign setting out priorities for investment and growth, shaped by those working within the sector.

Why Counting Culture Matters:
Navigating a Shifting Landscape

An independent, sector-led statement is crucial as we navigate a changing local and national context. Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will directly impact cultural service delivery, while national spending reviews bring uncertainty. A fragmented sector risks being overlooked.

Counting Culture tackles these challenges by:

  • Amplifying a united voice and elevating culture’s strategic importance

  • Recognising our true impact and informing investment decisions

  • Seizing devolution’s promise and shaping policy frameworks

  • Driving sustainable growth and mitigating risks of fragmentation

  • Leveraging local insights and empowering the sector’s voice

Our approach is informed by experience as cultural leaders and researchers, grounded in deep engagement. Reflecting Made in Essex’s collaborative ethos, extensive consultation with our diverse membership and wider stakeholders will occur at every stage.

Legacy Beyond Devolution and LGR:
A Lasting Impact

Counting Culture is not just about the immediate moment—it aims to create a long-term shift in how culture is perceived and supported in Greater Essex:

  • A Shared Vision and Identity: Establishing a unified, long-term vision that transcends political cycles and fosters a stronger collective identity.

  • Embedded Cultural Advocacy: Building capacity within Made in Essex and its networks to influence policy and secure resources for years to come.

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Deepening partnerships and forging new ones across boundaries, creating a strengthened network as a lasting asset.

  • A Foundation for Future Investment: Providing robust evidence to articulate our economic and social value, laying the groundwork for sustained public/private investment.

  • Catalyst for Innovation: Fostering a more connected and strategic sector, acting as a catalyst for new delivery models and creative solutions.

In essence, Counting Culture is the foundation for a strategic plan that will empower, unite, and increase the social and economic impact of the creative and cultural sector in Greater Essex for decades to come.