Counting Culture is a major sector‑led initiative developed by Made in Essex to unlock the full creative potential of Greater Essex. It brings together robust evidence and collective insight to show the cultural sector’s true impact — and to set out shared priorities for future growth.

The final document will include:

• The Case: an evidence-led narrative demonstrating culture’s economic and social value across Greater Essex.

• The Prospectus: a sector-shaped document landing with decision-makers in July 2026, setting out clear priorities for investment and growth — shaped by those working within the sector. This is not a generic consultation; it feeds directly into active policy and funding decisions.

Greater Essex is entering a period of major change.
Upcoming Mayoral elections, the creation of a Combined County Authority, and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) mean that decisions made in 2025–2028 will shape cultural services for decades to come.

At the same time, national spending pressures create uncertainty — and a fragmented sector risks its priorities being overlooked.

Counting Culture ensures the sector has:

• a united, independent voice

• strong evidence

• clear priorities

• influence during a critical window of political and structural change

No.
Counting Culture is independent, sector‑led and non‑political. It is not aligned to any political party, council or institution. Its purpose is to offer constructive, evidence-based insight that decision‑makers of all kinds can use.

No.
Counting Culture is designed to transcend political and local government structures.

Whether the region is served by a county council, several unitary councils, or a new Mayor and Combined Authority, the sector will still need:

• strong identity

• shared priorities

• better evidence

• improved collaboration

Counting Culture provides exactly that — regardless of governance models.

Counting Culture is developed by Made in Essex and shaped by:

• the sector itself

• extensive consultation across networks, districts, artforms and communities

• cultural leaders, researchers and engagement specialists

An independent Advisory Board — drawn from across Greater Essex — sense‑checks all materials to ensure:

• county‑wide reach

• representativeness

• credibility

• alignment with the needs of the intended audiences (including councils, funders and the future Mayor)

Counting Culture’s governance model is built on:

• sector-led leadership

• evidence-based decision making

• arm’s‑length structure

• independence from any single institution or council

This model is intentionally designed to remain stable through the coming political and structural changes.

A new Culture Board or Advisory Group could be Greater Essex’s first truly independent, representative and resilient sector body.

It would be designed to:

• outlast political cycles

• ensure every geography and artform is represented

• draw insight from the whole ecosystem (not a single network)

• influence future cultural policy, investment decisions and strategic partnerships

• collaborate constructively with councils and the future Mayor

It could provide the long-term stability and neutrality needed as the region undergoes major change.

All responses to the campaign question — “Big decisions are being made right now about the future of culture. What does the creative sector need most to thrive in Greater Essex — and why?” — will be analysed by researchers and the independent Advisory Board.

They will form:

• the Manifesto-style Prospectus (Summer)

• content for the July sector gathering

• engagement materials for Mayoral candidates, MPs, councils and funders

• priorities for the new Culture Board’s action plan

We are asking people working in culture and creativity to share:

• what they need to sustain and grow their impact

• what barriers currently hold them back

• what should change in future strategy and investment

• what support would help them contribute more to Greater Essex

This insight becomes the foundation for shaping future local strategy.

Counting Culture aims to:

• build a shared vision and identity for culture across Greater Essex

• strengthen collaboration and partnership working

• create a unified and influential voice for cultural policy

• secure sustained public and private investment

• provide a platform for innovation and cross‑district working

• ensure the sector is recognised, valued and understood

• leave behind a strong Culture Board capable of leading strategically

Here are the key guarantees:

✔ Independent
No single authority, political group or institution controls this work.

✔ Sector-led
Built from the lived experiences of practitioners, organisations, educators and freelancers.

✔ A-political
Designed to serve the whole sector regardless of political change.

✔ County-wide and representative
The Advisory Board ensures voices from all geographies, artforms and career stages are included.

✔ Future-proof
Constructed to survive devolution, LGR and changing political landscapes.

✔ Constructive and positive
The purpose is not to criticise but to offer a helpful, strategic, evidence-based foundation for decision-makers.

Within two years, success means:

• An independent Culture Board or Advisory Group recognised as the independent strategic voice

• evidence used by councils, unitaries, the Combined Authority and funders

• stronger collaboration across the county

• a clearer creative identity for Greater Essex

• more investment pathways and stronger advocacy

• policy decisions that reflect the sector’s real value

Long-term, it means:

• a sector that is valued, resourced and empowered

• people feel connected, represented and part of something bigger