Connected Culture

Members of the Theme Group

Arts Council England 
Devon and Exeter Institution 
Exeter Cathedral 
Exeter City Council 
Exeter College 
Exeter Phoenix 
Exeter Place Partnership  
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature 
Independent
Isle Utilities 
Historic England 
Independent Creative Practitioner 
Live & Move, Exeter City Council 
Libraries Unlimited
Northcott Theatre 
RAMM
University of Exeter 
Visit Exeter

Mission

To champion cultural leadership and collaboration, elevating Exeter as a prominent city for cultural innovation by:

Acting as the Advisory Group for the UK City of Culture Bid 2029.
Advising on the development of Exeter’s new Culture Strategy 2026–2031.
Championing investment in culture and evidencing the cultural sectors role as a catalyst for social and economic change.
Ensuring the cultural sector is empowered, engaged, and sustainable.

Support the development and delivery of the Exeter Local Plan through encouraging and advising on positive cultural outcomes.

Objectives of the Theme Group / Key Actions / Key Successes
The objectives and key actions for the year ahead can be found here:
Tangible Outcomes

UK City of Culture Bid Submission & Advocacy
- Deliver a compelling bid that reflects Exeter’s cultural ambition and diversity.
- Provide strategic advice and sector-wide engagement throughout the bidding process.
Culture Strategy 2026–2031 Implementation
- Co-create and monitor progress on the strategy’s goals.
- Align sector activities with strategic priorities for maximum impact.
Cultural Leadership & Sector Support
- Establish a recognised advisory body for cultural decision-making.
- Facilitate networking, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing within the sector.
Investment & Economic Growth
- Advocate for increased funding streams to support cultural initiatives.
- Promote culture as a driver for economic development and social wellbeing.
- Strengthened integration of arts, culture and the cultural industries within Local Authority and developer planning, resulting in increased investment activity and public access driven by City growth and development.
Engaged Theme Group
- Maintain active participation from cultural stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration and shared ownership of Exeter’s cultural vision.

Acting as a strategic voice for culture, supporting delivery of the Cultural Strategy, co‑developing an action plan, and connecting existing cultural networks.

Get in touch

Find out more about the Exeter Partnership or connect with us.
📧 Email: PA.Team@exeter.gov.uk