Redefine Success
Creative sector in Greater Essex to have their say on future investment in new Counting Culture campaign
Today marks the launch of Counting Culture, a major independent advocacy initiative led by Made in Essex to unlock the region’s full creative potential. As Greater Essex moves toward a new political landscape—including the election of its first-ever Mayor—Counting Culture aims to ensure the cultural and creative sector’s voice will directly shape the agenda for investment and growth.
These new regional leadership and governance structures are combining to create a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the creative and cultural sector. Through Counting Culture, people across the sector in Greater Essex are being asked to respond to one central, urgent question:
"A new Mayor = new opportunities. What does the creative sector need most to do more for Greater Essex? And why?"
Counting Culture is independent and open to everyone in the sector — it's not tied to any party, funder or organisation. It enables people across the sector to contribute their experience, insight and ambition, and to be heard as part of a shared regional case. Made in Essex Co-founder, Julia Payne, says:
"Counting Culture is an independent, sector-led statement that comes at a crucial moment. With legislation going through Parliament that will make culture a statutory responsibility for the Mayor, we must unite and amplify our collective voice to ensure our strategic importance is understood. This is about a shared perspective and future, and ensuring policy makers understand that culture counts.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“Counting Culture arrives at a pivotal moment for Greater Essex, and we welcome this case to articulate a shared vision for the county's creative future. The insights gathered will provide vital evidence to support a thriving creative landscape that benefits communities across Greater Essex for many years to come.”
Open for submissions from 13 April to 24 May, Counting Culture invites everyone—from technicians and front-of-house assistants to freelancers and CEOs—to share their views on what the sector needs most to do more for Greater Essex. Every submission, whether it’s a single sentence, a voice message, video or a drawing, will shape the Counting Culture Prospectus — a clear case for what the sector needs to thrive, and what it can deliver for Greater Essex. The Prospectus will be published in July 2026 and launched at Made in Essex's first major sector gathering.
To have your say and be part of Counting Culture, visit: Counting Culture — Made in Essex
EDITORS NOTES
Made in Essex is a network of networks, working together to unify the creative sector across Greater Essex, amplify our collective voice, and enable better collaboration. Our vision is for a more vibrant, resilient, and connected creative and cultural sector in Essex, and we exist to do two things: firstly, to create a united and cohesive voice for the county’s creative and cultural sector, in order to influence and inform strategy, policy, and investment decisions; secondly, to increase collaboration by making it easier for people in our sector to work in partnership and share information, resources, knowledge, and best practice. Current Made in Essex members are: Creative Colchester, Ignite Chelmsford, Southend Creatives CIC, Yay Mates (Brentwood), Bas Arts Index, Thurrock CAN, Essex Theatre Network and Museums Essex.
Prosperity & Purpose: The Case for the Cultural and Creative Sector in Greater Essex will also be published by Made in Essex on 13 April, to coincide with the launch of Counting Culture. Highlighting the profound value, impact and reach of Greater Essex’s cultural and creative sector, it makes an undeniable case for it to be recognised as a strategic force that drives growth, improves public health, and turns the places we live into places where we truly belong. You can read this in full at: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Made in Essex is grateful for Arts Council England and Essex County Council for their financial support of Counting Culture.
