Chelmsford’s cultural ambitions will put the district on the map by 2032
Culture Chelmsford today announces the development of a transformative 10-year strategy to put the district on the world map as a culturally ambitious place, with a dedicated team backing the endeavour.
The independent charity Culture Chelmsford is leading the creation of the first district-wide Cultural Strategy. In partnership with Chelmsford City Council, Ignite Chelmsford, and a host of organisations across the city, the charity is commissioning cultural strategy specialists Seriously Inclusive to help steer its direction.
Building on the success of creative projects and partnerships across the district as well as extensive consultation over the past three years, the strategy will outline how culture will become the driving force for Chelmsford, telling our stories, stimulating the economy, connecting our communities and improving health and wellbeing.
Announcing the development of the strategy, Mark Walmsley, incoming Chair of Culture Chelmsford, said:
“There is a wide array of exciting cultural opportunities in Chelmsford and a committed network of talented people so it feels like now is the right time to harness that energy and to look to the next 10 years for the district and how we get there.
“This strategy will galvanise us all with a collective vision and purpose, setting a vision for the future that builds on Chelmsford’s history of innovation making the city and our communities visible to the world for their outstanding, inclusive cultural offer.”
Cllr Marie Goldman, Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford, said:
“Since becoming a city in 2012, Chelmsford has invested in its people, cultural infrastructure, networks and partnerships. This month alone we have seen the opening of two spectacular new projects in the city – Gaia at Chelmsford Cathedral and Forecast22 at Chelmsford Museum. Our theatre is going through a refurbishment and our community of creatives is growing through Ignite Chelmsford. We’re looking forward to seeing what the strategy defines as the next steps for our ambitious city.”
The strategy was announced at a reception at Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, last night, 17 October 2022. The event, attended by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, provided the opportunity to thank outgoing Chair, Rear Admiral Roy Clare CBE DL, for his dedicated voluntary work in setting up the charity and its mission.
Roy Clare, who has recently been appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, said:
“As one of the Trust's inaugural Trustees, I felt honoured to have been invited by the City of Chelmsford to play a part in developing the future of Chelmsford’s cultural aspirations. I acknowledge the close partnership that has existed with the City Council since then. I thank the Councillors and officers for their support and encouragement and I congratulate my colleague Trustees, Chief Executive Claire Gevaux and fundraising director Bec Hughes, for their resilience and for their energetic and imaginative creativity.
“Despite the pandemic, we have been able to build a network of partners, attract investment and create a strong vision for culture, the arts, wellbeing and the environment. There is now the potential to create an effective strategy that will have a positive impact on everyone living and working in or visiting Chelmsford. I wish Mark Walmsley and his colleagues every success.”
As part of planned succession, The Trust has also bid farewell to trustees Professor Catherine Lee of ARU, Ian Flint of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust and Firstsite Director Sally Shaw.
Newcomers to the Board of Trustees bring expertise from the cultural, heritage, arts and business sectors – Sarah Barfoot, Experience and Visitor Programme Manager for the National Trust; Ajay Pabial, founder of Art Clubbers CIC; and Caroline Porter, Development Manager for Orchestras Live. They join newly-appointed Chief Executive Claire Gevaux and Director of Fundraising and Engagement Bec Hughes.
Read more about our team.
Seriously Inclusive is an agency specialising in inclusive and imaginative strategies for the arts and culture sector. Project lead Kate Arthurs has extensive experience leading and implementing large scale arts and culture strategy development in the UK and internationally at the British Council.
