Lancaster City Council has appointed specialist consultants Counterculture to lead the development of its strategic vision for culture and heritage over the next 10 years.
The Lancaster district’s cultural pedigree is widely acknowledged and has long been recognised as a significant contributor to the local economy and placemaking agenda.
Now, as part of its commitment to this vitally important sector, the council has appointed Counterculture to gather the evidence which will inform the council’s long-term approach for the use and positioning of its resources to support culture and heritage.
The consultancy company is already working with a number of councils on developing their art strategies, including Colchester Borough Council, announced last year, at a cost of £20,000.
Delivering services throughout the UK and internationally from offices in Manchester, London, Brighton and Edinburgh, Counterculture provides clients with specialist professional services across strategy, finance, law, management, governance and capital projects. The team comprises of consultants, accountants, solicitors, project managers and fundraisers, who are also musicians, artists, historians, and writers.
Its president is former Labour Deputy Leader, author and broadcaster, Tom Watson, and John Newbigin OBE, who was Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for Culture, Rt. Hon Chris Smith MP, and was closely involved in developing the UK government’s first policies for the creative industries in the 1990s; and Jo Dunnett, who oversaw the programme and delivery of the new Tate Modern.
Their international work has included overseeing the launch of the National Museum of Norway, a major new museum in Scandinavia, work for the V&A in both London and Dundee, and vital work helping arts organisations recover post COVID, both artistically and financially.
Counterculture’s remit will include producing an up-to-date, robust evidence base to provide a better understanding of the scale, scope, importance, and impact that culture and heritage have on people’s lives.
This will include how the Covid pandemic has impacted on the sector and whether this has, or will lead to, longer term issues, challenges, or opportunities.
A database of the district’s cultural and heritage assets will also be produced, along with an economic and community impact assessment.
A creative consultation and engagement programme will also be designed to ensure the views of those involved in culture and heritage are taken into account within the final strategy.
Councillor Sandra Thornberry, cabinet member with responsibility for arts, culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: “The Lancaster district’s exceptional arts and culture offering marks us out from other towns and cities.
“The council plays an important role in supporting the sector and the development of a new strategic vision will guide our investment and support over the next 10 years.
“Of course, we cannot do this alone and along the way there will be opportunities for those involved in the sector to get involved and help shape the vision and I look forward to hearing their views.”
James Coe, who recently joined Counterculture as a Partner, is leading the project, and commented: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Lancaster City Council on this project. The district has wonderful museums, galleries, spaces, venues, events, and lots more in between, we can’t wait to work with the team and people across the district to shape Lancaster City Council’s cultural offer for years to come.”
James is an expert in public policy and higher education, an experienced practitioner in business and strategy development, and interested in working with organisations who believe their work makes their places better.
He is the former Head of Sustainability, Policy, and Civic Engagement, at the University of Liverpool where he was responsible for their sustainability strategy, advising on issues across higher education, and leading the University’s civic engagement work. Throughout his career he has worked with a range of clients on business development, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.