Plan underway to boost creativity and culture in Oldham

The Oldham Cultural Strategy 2022–30 will look to ensure "culture, arts and heritage are at the forefront" of the council's vision for the borough.

The document was officially launched at Gallery Oldham.

It has been formed after an online consultation, which more than 800 residents, workers and stakeholders took part in during the height of the pandemic.

The launch event at Gallery Oldham

Cabinet member for education and skills at the council, Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, said: “The last two years have been hard for everyone, but the council and our partners are determined to see Oldham town centre and the wider borough thrive.

“Having a cultural offer that is inclusive for everyone is at the heart of that.

“Oldham is already a place where artists, cultural organisations, businesses and communities work closely together.

"We already have a brilliant cultural offer – but we want to extend that even further.

“This isn’t going to happen overnight.

"But if we build on our strengths – such as our young people, existing cultural assets and strong partnership working – we can make Oldham a cultural hub.”

The launch event at Gallery Oldham

The document sets out a vision of how all the contributors feel culture should be a cornerstone in Oldham.

It states how we can use culture to bring residents of all ages and backgrounds together to help and support them to lead more "creative, healthy, happy and prosperous lives".

By strengthening and extending partnerships with education and training providers and the creative industries across the region, the council aims to create "better pathways and progression for talent and career development".

The strategy also looks at how we can make the most of our existing buildings, facilities and indoor and outdoor spaces to create a calendar of gigs, exhibitions and performances.

To read an overview of the strategy visit www.oldham.gov.uk/culturalstrategy.