Arts Strategy Home Page

The first Arts Development Strategy for the Derbyshire Dales was published in 1999. This has now been updated and integrated to become part of our five year strategy (2004-2009) which is titled ‘Promoting the Dales as a place to live, work and visit’.

This cross-cutting strategy brings together economic development, tourism, arts development and countryside management, to work in close partnership for the benefit of the community, business and visitors.

Each of the four services makes a significant contribution to the district’s regeneration. We inaugurated the Arts Development Service in 1999.

In its first three years, there has been considerable growth in the ‘creative industries’ sector in the area.

These businesses and significant local events such as festivals are now seen to make an important contribution to the economy and to the tourism product.

Among our priorities for 2003-07 is the objective ‘To stimulate economic, community and environmental regeneration’. The arts have a vital role to play in achieving this goal.

The ‘Promoting the Dales’ strategy has been developed to interlink with the strategic objectives of regional and local partnership organisations and there are a set of key themes that are examined from both residents’ and visitors’ perspectives.  

The themes are:

1.  Market Towns
2.  Dales Central Corridor Regeneration Initiative
3.  Rural Regeneration
4.  Partnership Working
5.  Creating and Safeguarding Employment
6.  Business Support and Development
7.  Development of Business Sites and Premises
8.  Tourism Marketing and Promotion
9.  Visitor Information Provision
10. External Funding
11. Inward Investment
12. Matlock Bath
13. Matlock Parks Project
14. Countryside Management
15. Arts Development
16. Leisure
17. Transport and Communications

The following text is an extract from ‘Promoting the Dales’. It describes our priorities for Arts Development across the Derbyshire Dales. 

Arts development 

The council’s Arts Development Service began in 1999 with the appointment of an officer on a three-year contract. In 2002 this appointment was made permanent. 

Over the last four years the district has become a key partner in many arts and cultural industry initiatives securing funding from regional, national and European sources, helping to build a reputation for the Derbyshire Dales as an area of artistic innovation and excellence. 

The arts are a growth industry, representing a dynamic tool for assisting the economic development of the Dales. They are also an accessible and enjoyable way to strengthen communities, address social issues and to embrace cultural diversity in its broadest sense. The council has recognised this and has identified key issues:

• Links with tourism to increase visitor numbers and enhance visitors’ experiences.
• Development of creative industries attracting producers to the area and building the skills of local people.
• Continued support for local festivals.
• Development of databases including artists, community groups and venues
• Development of funding and creative partnerships
• Development of initiatives combating rural isolation and targeting communities, particularly young people and disabled people.
• Providing information, advice and signposting.
• Working in partnership with other Derbyshire local authorities and the Arts Council.

The council has built up a database of over 200 individual artists, creative businesses and community groups active in developing the arts. Research has been carried out into the district’s venues, providing insight into local needs.

The Derbyshire Dales is an area of outstanding natural beauty. This coupled with traditional creative pastimes and skills, give the area a unique artistic flavour. The council has a key role in promoting access to the arts for all sections of the community, developing new and innovative practices, as well as nurturing traditional or established initiatives.

Key activities and actions 

• Lead the LEADER + Gateway Project
• Participating in key sub-regional and regional partnerships
• Providing advice and information to support local individuals and businesses in the development of creative industries
• Providing information for arts related enquiries.
• Providing information regarding suitable venues within the district.
• Managing the Arts Development Grants Scheme (ADD)

Objectives

• To enhance the quality of life for people living, working and visiting the Derbyshire Dales
• To encourage a cohesive network of arts organisations
• To work to increase the number and accessibility of facilities
• To assist in the support of creative industries
• Working in partnership to attract external funding

Strategic links 

• District Council Corporate Plan
• Derbyshire Dales Community Strategy
• Derbyshire Cultural Strategy
• Peak District Rural Action Zone
• EMDA Regional Economic Strategy