Plans to help more people enjoy and take part in Exeter’s cultural life have been backed by Exeter City Council’s Executive.
At its meeting on 10 November, Executive recommended that Council adopts the Exeter Cultural Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out a vision for Exeter as a City of Creative Confidence. Council will consider the recommendations on 1 December.
The five-year strategy will embed culture across council services and strengthen partnerships with the city’s cultural sector. It seeks to improve access and participation, create the best conditions for creative development and grassroots activity to thrive, and explore connections between culture, the environment and wellbeing.
The strategy follows extensive engagement with residents, artists, creative organisations and community groups, and a six-week public consultation. More than three-quarters of consultation respondents, 76 per cent, agreed or strongly agreed with its vision.
Feedback has helped shape the final strategy, including clearer actions and outcomes, a stronger focus on inclusion and opportunities for children and young people, and more detail on how progress will be measured.
Cllr Lucy Findlay, Lead Councillor for Culture and City Centre, said: “As a Labour-led Council we want more people to enjoy, take part in and help shape Exeter’s cultural life. Culture is not just an elite activity; it’s for everyone whether that’s attending a dance class in the community centre or a night out in a pub listening to a local band.
“This strategy sets out a shared ambition for a city of creative confidence, where culture acts as the ‘glue’ bringing communities together and strengthening pride in our city.
“A big thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and ideas. Your feedback has helped us sharpen the strategy’s priorities, to focus on opening up opportunities and supporting the huge creativity already found across Exeter’s communities.
“Subject to Council’s approval, we will work with partners to develop an action plan that sets out how we can turn this shared vision into practical, jointly owned action.”
Executive also recommended establishing a Cultural Partnership to support the strategy and the development of a jointly owned Cultural Action Plan during 2027.
Subject to Council’s approval, the plan will identify priorities, responsibilities, timescales, potential funding sources and measures of success, drawing on consultation feedback.
The completed action plan will be brought forward for approval in due course. The strategy does not itself approve individual projects or new expenditure, which would remain subject to the Council’s usual decision-making processes.
Read the Cultural Strategy 2026-2031 on the - ECC Exeter Cultural Strateg
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