Why Culture Counts: The Role of Arts in Our Communities and Economy

As part of the Counting Culture campaign, we’re bringing together voices from across Essex’s cultural sector to reflect on the value of creativity in our everyday lives. In this post, Steve Mannix is Chief Executive of the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, shares his perspective on the vital role arts, culture and heritage play—not only in enriching our communities, but in driving economic growth. Drawing on local and national insight, Steve highlights why culture should be recognised as an essential part of both our social fabric and our future prosperity.

So, as we've all been out to vote this week, we've been thinking about what's important to us, what's important in our communities. And I just wanted to take a moment to think about the role that the arts, culture, and heritage play in all of our lives.

We sometimes forget how it touches us. You might hear music, you might go and see a gig at a local pub, you might go and see a play, an exhibition. It's always a fantastic experience, as many of you know, but equally, it is an important part of our local and our national economy.

Nationally, last year, the creative industries generated over £126 billion, and it's part of the industrial sector that's actually recession-proof. It's been growing year on year. For example, here at the Mercury, for every pound we get in grants, we generate another £4.

Overall, our audiences—people who attend our workshops and our creative engagement activities—spend £5.4 million in the local Colchester economy. If you replicate that right the way across Essex, that's a phenomenal amount, and we're one of the largest employers in the city centre.

Also, there are many, many people across the creative industries in Essex who are generating new products, who are working with film companies, TV companies. They're small businesses that they're growing, and they're looking towards success for the future.

So, I just thought I'd mention that and have a think next time you engage in the arts. Thanks.

If this resonates, now’s the moment to speak up.
Made in Essex is creating a Prospectus to put the creative sector’s priorities in front of Greater Essex’s new political leaders this July.

‍So — what matters most?
How can arts, culture and heritage continue to strengthen our communities and drive local economic growth across Essex?

‍No idea is too big or too small.
Whether you have 1 idea or 10, tell us what you want to see happen.

And there’s no right way to respond?
Send bullet points. Record a quick selfie video. Snap a photo of a scribbled note. Write a song. Write a poem. However you want to do it, add your voice here: madeinessex.org.uk/take-part

‍Counting Culture is open until 24 May.

Have your say. If you work in Greater Essex’s creative sector, this is your chance to help shape a future where culture is recognised and supported as a vital part of our communities and economy.

‍With thanks to Steve Mannix Chief Executive of the Mercury Theatre for sharing his insight.