Key Objectives (KOs):

• Cultural Planning & Partnerships 
  Build a firm foundation of strong leadership, effective partnerships and best use of resources
• People & Participation 
  Provide local residents and visitors opportunities to participate in active, healthy, & creative learning
• Place Shaping 
  Provide high quality cultural facilities and spaces which all communities are able to access and enjoy
• Prosperity 
  Enable the cultural, creative and tourism industries to flourish and prosper as part of Ashford and Tenterden's economic growth

Key Measures of Success (KMS):

• Provide more facilities and activities for young people, in line with the What Matters Action Plan & Play matters Strategy
• Promotion of public art, events and festivals
• Secure funding and delivery partners for a water-sports based leisure and tourism development at Conningbrook Lakes, near Julie Rose Stadium. 
• Complete feasibility study for a concert hall and events arena within Ashford
• Deliver Willesborough Dykes open space project 
• Complete feasibility study into provision of appropriate premises for a range of voluntary and community sector groups
• Support parish councils in greatest need of new services and facilities, in collaborration with the Parish Forum
• Delver more parish and community-led projects through the Community Grants Fund
• Plan and deliver multi-agency community facilities within new housing developments
• Consult local residents over the creation of urban parish councils
• Secure external funding for the un-remodelled part of the Stour Centre
• Develop the efficiency and effectiveness of local trusts managing the councils leisure buildings and green spaces
• Promote the creation of new jobs through local tourism and creative businesses
• Work with Kent County Council to improve Ashford Library 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

CS3 – External Funding levered into community projects by Community Grants Fund at application for grant

CS3a - External funding levered into Cultural Services projects

CS21 - % satisfaction of customers directly accessing tourism services through the Tourist Information Centres

CS22 - % increase on profit (over previous year) on income generated by Tourist Information Centres

CS23 - Number of Neighbourhood Youth Forums

CS30 - % of agencies partnering Cultural Services in project delivery who are from the VCS

CS34 - % of Cultural Services Action Plan implemented

Author & Contact: Mark Carty – Head of Cultural Services

Passed by Executive:

Review period months/years: 3 years

Review date: during 2010/11

Download the Cultural Strategy 1.87Mb PDF