Cultural Strategy for Stirling is ready to drive creative activities

A strategy that places culture at the core of the everyday lives of Stirling’s people has been approved.

A pink banner in the foreground reads: Stirling Alive With Culture while, in the background, can be seen a steepled building
The incredible talent and diversity of Stirling's creative communities will be on show throughout the 900th anniversary celebrations of the burgh.

The Cultural Strategy for Stirling will drive priorities and activities across local communities from 2024-2028.

It has been written following consultation with Stirling residents, as well as those working in the culture sector in the area. The refreshed strategy builds on the work of the previous strategy and additional work, developed as part of the UK City of Culture bid in 2022, is also included.

A range of new ideas, from a major annual culture event to pooling cultural opportunities for young people, are part of the strategy, which was approved by Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee on Thursday, April 11.

Renowned

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “This exciting cultural strategy has been created for everyone across Stirling, not just the Council.

“The Council’s responsibilities will be delivered using existing resources and we will work with our cultural partners to identify external funding streams to bring this strategy to life.

“Stirling is culturally renowned within Scotland and the UK, as well as internationally. We are a dynamic and creative area and are ambitious for our cultural and creative programmes to transform the quality of life in our communities, as well as delivering economic growth.

Celebrations

“We are a must-visit destination and enjoy a strong reputation for hosting successful world-class cultural and sporting events, from Bloody Scotland and the Scottish Album of the Year Awards to the UCI Cycling World Championships – and we’re also looking forward to welcoming the Summer Sessions to Stirling City Park in June and July.

“The Cultural Strategy for Stirling builds on these success stories, along with the previous strategy, and will be the springboard for Stirling’s 900th celebrations as a Burgh. This will launch later this month, when we have another opportunity to demonstrate the incredible talent and diversity of our creative communities.”

Progress of the Cultural Strategy for Stirling will be monitored at the quarterly Strategic Board for Culture meetings, which include representatives from Stirling Council, Creative Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College.

An annual report on progress will also be made to the Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee.

* The agenda papers for the meeting, including full details of the Cultural Strategy for Stirling, can be viewed here:Stirling Council - Agendas Index