Join us to discuss opportunities and challenges for embedding creative and cultural uses in high streets and the role the sector can play in high street rejunevation in the South East.

We Made That and PRD have been appointed by SELEP and Arts Council England to develop a better understanding of how cultural and creative organisations can be embedded in high streets and drive their reinvigoration and reinvention. The research will lead to the production of a narrative report which will inform and direct future initiatives and ensure that maximised outcomes can be realised from a range of interventions. The development of the narrative will be informed by a series of high street case studies which will explore a range of innovative actions, strategies and methods that could better unlock positive and inclusive growth for the region.

The narrative report is expected to help SELEP’s partners and stakeholders locate culture as a key tool, as well as establish the creative sector as a key partner, in the approach to planning and place-making, recovery, growth and community development which will support the case for investment in high streets across SELEP. It will present a strategic case for action, introduce a shared approach to understanding and measuring success, and support collaboration across the SELEP geographies in terms of funding and sharing the delivery of expertise and good practices. It is expected to be a practical document which will support local authorities, creative organisations, developers and operators in establishing a roadmap for delivering cultural and creative uses in high streets and in prioritising actions and interventions.

For more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G-WVGhDYqqrcP-DsPo0dK5ssb4W1kkcq/view?usp=sharing

We'd like to hear from you!

The team is still in the early stages of the commission and are willing to hear thoughts and insights from SELEP’s partners and stakeholders which will inform the project process and case building development. The virtual session will be an opportunity for the project team to run through the scope of the commission and its opportunities, as well as discuss:

The South East USP and what this means for its high streets and cultural and creative sector;
High street context(s) in the SELEP region: key challenges and the role the cultural and creative sector can play;
How to measure success, build collective buy-in and joined up action across the region.;
Best practices and exemplar initiatives.

We are running two introductory virtual sessions, so if you can't attend on Thursday 24th (12-1pm), please consider joining on Tuesday 29th June (4-5pm): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/159171376873

Any questions? Email Lili Laine, lili@wemadethat.co.uk

The creative sector as driver for the future of high streets (SELEP/ACE)