Made Here, Built to Last
A Creative Prospectus for Greater Essex
Made Here, Built to Last is Greater Essex's first sector-led cultural prospectus, shaped entirely by the people who know this county best.
Over six weeks in spring 2026, more than 400 people took part in our Counting Culture campaign: from creative freelancers and independent artists to CEOs of some of our largest cultural organisations. We asked them one question: what would help the creative sector have even greater impact — and why?
Their responses are gathered here across seven strategic pillars, each containing propositions from the sector setting out where attention and investment will make the most difference. Together they represent a clear, honest and ambitious account of what becomes possible when culture is treated not as a nice to have, but as infrastructure — and when decision-makers and the creative sector work in genuine partnership.
This is the starting point. The prospectus is not a strategy or action plan — that work comes next. It is an invitation to genuine partnership between the sector and every tier of local government across Greater Essex, and a demonstration that the sector is ready to build something with decision-makers that neither can achieve alone.
READ THE PROPOSPECTUS ↓
Taking The Pulse of Our Creative Powerhouse
Fuelled by a 36,000-strong creative workforce, our sector is a titan of the Greater Essex economy. Last year, 1.4 million adults across Greater Essex — 91% of the population — engaged with culture either in person or digitally. Meanwhile, our county attracted an incredible 54.2 million tourists, who contributed approximately £3.5bn to the local economy. Beyond the balance sheet, with 53 major creative health initiatives happening across Greater Essex, we are building a healthier county too.
Have your say… Shape the future
The publication of this Case coincides with the launch of Counting Culture, our new advocacy campaign. Big decisions are being made right now about the future of culture — where money goes, what gets supported, and what gets prioritised. New regional powers mean there's a real opportunity to invest in culture alongside housing, health and transport. But nothing is guaranteed. If the creative and cultural sector doesn't help shape those plans, others will do it for us.
Anyone who is part of the cultural and creative sector in Greater Essex – from front of house assistant to CEO, technician to creative freelancer – is invited to have their say. You can find out more here.
The Counting Culture Prospectus, led by Made in Essex, will land with decision-makers in July 2026. With only days to go until the 24 May deadline, now is the moment to have your say — this document, shaped by you and the wider sector, will directly influence how culture is embedded within growth plans, investment strategies and future budgets.
"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."Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England
Counting Culture is supported by
