A new strategy sets out a vision for art and culture in the borough which will see the council, communities and arts organisations working together to celebrate Thurrock’s culture and creativity to help create opportunities for the borough’s creative talents to shine.
The Thurrock Plan for Culture 2025 – 2029 was developed with the council’s cultural partners and creative communities to forge a shared commitment and direction of travel for culture and creativity. It will help put culture and creativity at the heart of everyday life in the borough, supporting Thurrock’s creative and cultural sector to grow and thrive and helping to make sure that art and culture has a role to play in improving Thurrock as a place, helping local voices to be heard and local stories told and helps people find exciting and rewarding creative job opportunities.
By working with communities, residents and Thurrock’ creatives the plan will help develop opportunities to create a more vibrant, enriched and inclusive place for families and communities can grow and thrive.
Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Culture has a key role to play in all of our lives, It can help communities come together, foster a connection between people and the place where they live, stimulate the local economy and create jobs and opportunities.
“We have worked with the borough’s art and culture organisations to develop a strategy that will allow us to build on the work already taking place and collaborate on a brighter cultural future for the borough and its residents.
“We will work together to make sure that the council and the borough’s arts organisations and cultural community can collaborate through a Cultural Leadership Group to secure the funding, skills and talent to allow creativity to flourish in Thurrock enriching all of our lives.”
Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer Forth Ports and Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust, said: "Tilbury on the Thames Trust was pleased to have contributed to Thurrock's Plan for Culture. Through our leadership of the Start Thurrock consortium, we have witnessed first-hand the profound impact cultural engagement can have on people’s lives, and this plan is an essential step in harnessing that potential.
“With National Lottery Heritage funding now secured for the development of Tilbury Riverside Station, we are excited to continue championing Thurrock’s incredible creative talent and building stronger cultural connections across the borough”
Katie Beadle, Creative Director at Start Thurrock said: “The launch of the Thurrock Plan for Culture is a significant milestone in ensuring that people in the area can have a chance to explore their creativity.
“As part of our ten-year vision for Start Thurrock, we are committed to working with, and for, our communities to give them consistent access to high-quality arts experiences that they can help shape.
“I hope that this strategy will allow us to continue that work and ensure everyone in Thurrock who is in a position to influence cultural experiences for residents, come together towards a common goal.”