How culture can be a powerful economic lever for the North
Culture is a powerful lever in more ways than one. It isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ but vital in keeping the fabric of society stitched together and a positive contribution to the economy.
A lot of talk surrounding economic growth is often centred on infrastructure and building things. While the region is proud of its rich manufacturing heritage and indeed the forward-thinking innovation taking place in this space today, culture is just as important to Yorkshire and the North.
The creativity coursing through the region is something to not only be celebrated but built upon. Bradford’s year in the sun as City of Culture has stood out as a lighthouse for culture in this region.
And the appetite is there for businesses, civic leaders and more importantly the people to build on this momentum.
The role that culture plays in bringing people together is very important. Especially at a time when society is so fragmented.
That is why the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group’s (APPG) new inquiry is to be welcomed. Northern Culture Untapped: Unlocking the North’s Great Cultural Capital will look at how the North’s creative and cultural potential can be fully realised to power economic growth, innovation and pride of place. The inquiry will examine how culture can be placed at the heart of a fully devolved North, driving growth, attracting investment, strengthening skills and building communities.
Culture is forever evolving and therefore a census needs to be carried out as to where it stands in the present. Then it can be effectively leveraged to bring wider benefits to communities across the region.