Counting Culture Launch

The prospectus publishes Monday 13 July at 6.30pm

Chelmsford Theatre Studio  ·  Monday 13 July 2026

Hundreds of people across Greater Essex have shared what the creative sector needs most to thrive. Now it's time to bring the sector together to hear what we found, what it means, and what happens next.

The findings — a first look at what the sector told us
Speakers including Hazel Edwards (Arts Council England) and Trevor Macfarlane (Culture Commons)
Live performance, DJ, bar and networking

The next 18 months will shape culture in Greater Essex for decades. Unitary Authority teams are being built. Mayoral candidates are going on the campaign trail. This event is where it starts.

Book Now — Free Event ↓

Counting Culture

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

Prosperity and Purpose cover
The Case Prosperity & Purpose
A definitive evidence case for our sector's economic and social value.
Read the Case ↓
 Made Here Built to Last cover
The Prospectus Made Here, Built to Last
A sector prospectus setting out what investment and partnership with our new regional leadership could unlock.
Read the Prospectus ↓

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.

"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

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Essex County Council