Goals

The 2027 goals represent a range of cultural aspirations for the city for the next ten years. Each goal reflects the themes and principles from the consultation process and will require action and investment. New initiatives will also emerge to realise the goals step-by-step over the life of the strategy. The universities in partnership with the City Council will evaluate the city’s success and provide feedback on what needs to be done to keep the city on target to achieve the goals by 2027.

The fact that Coventry is such a multicultural city is not something that’s happened by accident, it’s not something that has happened in the last ten years, there is a history here.
We need to understand the diversity of the city and we need to educate people about where this has come from, especially young people who may not realise where this has come from

Workshop participant representing cultural diverse community group

Imagineers at Fargo Imagineers at Fargo

The five goals are:

  • Goal 1 Partnership
  • Goal 2 Lifelong learning
  • Goal 3 Diversity
  • Goal 4 Health and well-being
  • Goal 5 Economic growth

The five goals are mapped across each of the Seven Big Ideas which are shown below each goal.

Goal 1 (Partnership): A new partnership approach to cultural growth, which ensures access and sustainable funding for a wide range of cultural organisations activities and events across the city. This partnership brings together the City Council, communities, the universities, local businesses and charities and the professional and amateur cultural sectors to maximise resources, infrastructure, innovation and investment.

Coventry will establish a new independent cultural place partnership to support cultural growth and opportunities in the city.

A new independent cultural partnership maximises resources, reduces costs and attracts investment. It builds relationships and networks between culture, civic life, business and education. The institutional partners engage more fully in the city and with its residents.

Coventry will expand the creative workspace for artists and develop creation spaces for production, rehearsal and incubator activity.

Mixed economy investment and access to additional sources of funding develops hubs as social enterprises with university and industry input. The city grows the capacity and range of independent professional arts producers. An increase in the number of National Portfolio Organisations with sustainable business plans.

Coventry will build a livelier urban culture based on an annual calendar of events that attracts visitors and grows the day and night-time economy.

A coordinated and strategic approach to programming, marketing and signposting arts and culture. Private sponsorship for flagship outdoor events the whole city can create and enjoy together. Greater use of enhanced city-centre architecture, heritage assets, parks and neighbourhood public spaces for performances and showcasing the city.

Coventry will become a leader in youth arts and talent development and young people will be directly involved in the delivery of cultural programmes.

Partnership mapping of youth engagement and opportunities to identify gaps and cold spots. Universities, Culture Coventry and cultural organisations to co-deliver youth oriented cultural services.

Coventry will position itself as a cultural city of national and international importance.

Partnership approach increases the influence and reach of Coventry as a major cultural destination and attracts national and inter-national events. Partnerships with major national institutions position Coventry as a key venue for events and exhibitions.

Coventry will showcase the diversity of the city and its talent and support a programme that encourages participation and community cohesion through a wide variety of cultural activity.

A strategic partnership of agencies representing and giving voice to the diversity of the city. Collaborating in the creation of inclusive programmes and securing cross-community ownership of the cultural dynamic of the city. Universities providing spaces, expertise and educational and research support.

Coventry will focus on promoting dance, physical activity and active lifestyles to support the health and well-being of the city.

The Universities bring their expertise in dance, sport, health and administration. Cultural activities are embedded in sports, health and other civic strategies.

Goal 2 (Lifelong learning): All children and young people have an entitlement to the arts and digital creativity in schools and in their community which is not limited by family income, location or age. There are opportunities for all generations to learn from and develop through the arts. Talent is recognised, developed and supported through to early careers in the cultural and creative industries and beyond.

Coventry will establish a new independent cultural place partnership to support cultural growth and opportunities in the city.

Access to universities and commercial resources and expertise provides: lifelong learning including sector training and apprenticeships; volunteering and mentoring; opportunities to build sustainable cultural capacity and programming in the city.

Coventry will expand the creative workspace for artists and develop creation spaces for production, rehearsal and incubator activity.

New creative hubs are also spaces for creative education, work-experience and apprenticeships, offering pipeline and pathways to success. Venues, digital culture hubs, and youth talent opportunities are digitally connected and signposted.

Coventry will build a livelier urban culture based on an annual calendar of events that attracts visitors and grows the day and night-time economy.

Broadening opportunities for children, young people and older generations to engage with multiple arts forms as both audience and participants. Development of inter-cultural awareness and appreciation of diverse global art forms and cultural expressions.

Coventry will become a leader in youth arts and talent development and young people will be directly involved in the delivery of cultural programmes.

Coordinated cultural programme offering & promoting affordable out of school opportunities and family-friendly cultural calendar to encourage inter-generational participation.

Coventry will position itself as a cultural city of national and international importance.

Focus on youth talent and mentoring produces next generation of professional and community artists and producers feeding national and international talent pipelines in a wide range of arts including digital arts.

Coventry will showcase the diversity of the city and its talent and support a programme that encourages participation and community cohesion through a wide variety of cultural activity.

New focus on dance across the city encourages engagement in a wide range of new and traditional dance. Access to cultural education developed through schools and other centres of learning including opportunities to engage with a wide range of multicultural experiences.

Coventry will focus on promoting dance, physical activity and active lifestyles to support the health and well-being of the city.

New facilities for dance and a connected programme of dance and physical theatre encourage healthy lifestyles through artistic expression and engagement.

Goal 3 (Diversity):  Communities and individuals are empowered to celebrate and share their heritages, cultures, abilities and identity and participate in the cultural life of the city.  Diversity is one of Coventry’s strengths and resources and the city is a place of mutual understanding, celebration and learning. Coventry is a national centre of excellence for diversity in the arts and creative industries.

Coventry will establish a new independent cultural place partnership to support cultural growth and opportunities in the city.

A well-signposted, digitally enhanced and accessible cultural programme encourages wider participation and attendance in a broad range of cultural events.

Coventry will expand the creative workspace for artists and develop creation spaces for production, rehearsal and incubator activity.

A re-imagined library service provides local digital hubs and cultural spaces. Maximising the cultural production resources of radio, TV and new media facilities in the city and region.

Coventry will build a livelier urban culture based on an annual calendar of events that attracts visitors and grows the day and night-time economy.

Encouraging, broadcasting and facilitating a broad range of local and large scale city based participatory cultural events including heritage arts, food and lifestyles.

Coventry will become a leader in youth arts and talent development and young people will be directly involved in the delivery of cultural programmes.

All children and young people have access to cultural education and events including new digital arts and showcasing diverse talent and cultures. The city builds on its strengths in music and dance.

Coventry will position itself as a cultural city of national and international importance.

Investment in diverse arts and culture gains national reputation and attracts minority arts exhibitions, events and conferences.

Coventry will showcase the diversity of the city and its talent and support a programme that encourages participation and community cohesion through a wide variety of cultural activity.

Coordinated cultural programme is representative of the city’s diversity. There is increased participation, and ownership in local and city-wide events. Neighbourhood cultural events co-created with regional and national arts organisations.

Coventry will focus on promoting dance, physical activity and active lifestyles to support the health and well-being of the city.

Neighbourhood and city-wide focus on creating new cultural walks, trails, carnivals and festivals and other outdoor events. Cultural strategy supports a wide range of health and citizenship initiatives.

Goal 4 (Health and Well-being): Arts and culture are core to the health and well-being of the city. Participation in and enjoyment of city wide professional and community arts programming responds to the needs of all generations and combats isolation and mental health in our most vulnerable communities. Culture makes a major contribution to encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity.

Coventry will establish a new independent cultural place partnership to support cultural growth and opportunities in the city.

Arts and culture embedded in sports, health and well-being strategic initiatives. Targeted uses of partnership resources and expertise, including research, to positively contribute to the Marmot City objectives of reducing health inequalities.

Coventry will expand the creative workspace for artists and develop creation spaces for production, rehearsal and incubator activity.

Sports centres, libraries and other community centres host and signpost arts programmes targeted on health and well-being. A new hub for professional and community arts and wellness is established

Coventry will build a livelier urban culture based on an annual calendar of events that attracts visitors and grows the day and night-time economy.

Telling the stories of Coventry through the arts and voices of its diverse communities uncovers the creative potential in the city for all to share in.

Coventry will become a leader in youth arts and talent development and young people will be directly involved in the delivery of cultural programmes.

Arts and cultural interventions engage with and raise awareness of key health priorities for the young including obesity, mental health and teenage pregnancy. Inclusive arts and wellness programming is co-ordinated to ensure that children of all abilities and backgrounds can access and benefit.

Coventry will position itself as a cultural city of national and international importance.

Establishing a new hub for arts and wellness to attract and bring together artists, health practitioners and academics to provide a national lead in arts and wellness.

Coventry will showcase the diversity of the city and its talent and support a programme that encourages participation and community cohesion through a wide variety of cultural activity.

Local sports hubs programming includes dance and arts related activities for all ages and abilities. Community based and led arts projects bring generations and cultures together for social interaction and creative production. The city welcomes and develops national and international deaf and disabled professional artists as part of its programming.

Coventry will focus on promoting dance, physical activity and active lifestyles to support the health and well-being of the city.

A lively and regular programme of neighbourhood cultural activity in centres and open spaces combats isolation and enhances emotional as well as physical well-being.

Goal 5 (Economic growth): Coventry is a culturally vibrant, attractive and prosperous city that enriches the lives and environment for all residents. The city is a major tourist destination for the West Midlands and successfully attracts new businesses and investment, particularly in high-tech creative industries, talent development and cultural production.

Coventry will establish a new independent cultural place partnership to support cultural growth and opportunities in the city.

Improved environment and cultural life attracts new businesses and graduates and increases the tourist economy. Maximising the cultural and heritage assets of the city through events and promotion provides a feel-good factor and enhances the confidence of the city as a cultural destination

Coventry will expand the creative workspace for artists and develop creation spaces for production, rehearsal and incubator activity.

Production hubs and creative quarters provide spaces for cultural activity, making and learning and attract private investment, new start-ups and talent.

Coventry will build a livelier urban culture based on an annual calendar of events that attracts visitors and grows the day and night-time economy.

Inter-cultural events promote social cohesion, curiosity and understanding. Building a livelier urban culture grows night and day time economy. Neighbourhood diversity celebrated in city marketing and as a driver for tourism.

Coventry will become a leader in youth arts and talent development and young people will be directly involved in the delivery of cultural programmes.

A focus on inclusive youth arts; a new inter-cultural dance focus and support for local community arts groups. Showcasing talent raises civic pride in the young.

Coventry will position itself as a cultural city of national and international importance.

Status and drive as competitor for UK city of Culture 2021 brings national recognition boosts civic pride and transforms perceptions of the city. Draws in public and private investment and increases tourism economy. High profile events and exhibitions attract new visitor markets to the city.

Coventry will showcase the diversity of the city and its talent and support a programme that encourages participation and community cohesion through a wide variety of cultural activity.

The UK city of Culture bid process emphasises diversity and inclusion leading to new levels of civic pride and social cohesion and boosts neighbourhood economies. The city develops its international cultural links and visitor markets.

Coventry will focus on promoting dance, physical activity and active lifestyles to support the health and well-being of the city.

City-based cultural and heritage trails encourage movement around the city and encourage day visits and tourism.