§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the achievements to date of each of the regional culture consortiums. [145527]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe Regional Cultural Consortiums are independent advisory bodies providing a focus for each region's many and varied cultural and creative interests. They are currently developing cultural strategies to be published in the next few months. Each strategy will identify the priorities for that region's cultural development over the next few years and include an action plan for implementing them.
All the Consortiums have published draft strategies or undertaken consultation on them. Some have also undertaken surveys of public attitudes to culture and audits of cultural provision in their region. In developing their strategies they are consulting a wide range of individuals and organisations, both in writing and in meetings and seminars. Most are also developing their own websites.
The Consortiums are working closely with Regional Development Agencies to support their regional economic strategies and, in particular, to promote tourism and the 26W creative industries. They are also working with other regional partners to ensure that the energy and enthusiasm of cultural and sporting interests make a significant contribution to economic development, regeneration and social inclusion in their region.