Cultural Framework

Support available to the Cultural Sector during Covid-19

The Business advice page provides details of the support available from the Government for businesses and the self-employed. This includes applications for the business support grant fund.

View support from government for businesses affected by Coronavirus

Arts Council England have also published support packages for the sector including grants for individuals up to £2,500 and organisations up to £35,000. 

Details can be found on Arts Council England's website.

The application process does not require match funding and has been streamlined, however if you do require support from the Council's Cultural team then please get in touch events@preston.gvo.uk  

What is the Council's Cultural team doing? 

We're making contact with all artists that we'd booked for events that have now been cancelled. We're working with individuals and organisations to agree steps forward on a case by case basis. 

In line with the rest of the cultural sector, the Council's Cultural Service is assessing how delivery, particularly around the Harris programme and events programme can continue digitally in the short term.   

The team is working through a delivery plan and identifying opportunities for local commissions to support the arts sector. There will be further details on this in the coming weeks.  

As we are all adapting to working and staying at home it is important to stay in touch and the Council is working with the Cultural Framework Board to agree the best way of keeping the sector talking. Again this is something we will provide more details on in the coming weeks.  

Cultural Framework

In 2014 the Council published its Cultural Framework to provide the context for the development of culture in Preston, ensuring that the spirit and vibrancy of the Guild is maintained in the future.

The Framework recognises the importance that culture plays in our everyday lives and the development of Preston as a key cultural centre in Lancashire.

Our vision for the future

Preston is recognised as a major centre for culture in the North West, with a thriving creative sector, where everyone has opportunities to be inspired by and participate in arts and heritage and to have joyful experiences which reinforce the spirit of the Guild City.

The Cultural Framework can be viewed by downloading Preston's 12 Year Cultural Strategy (PDF) (PDF) [2MB] .

The Cultural Framework board

To oversee and support the delivery of the Cultural Framework a board has been developed bringing together strategic cultural partners from across the city. The membership of the Cultural Framework Board is made up from:

• Preston City Council (PCC)
• Lancashire County Council (LCC)
• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
• Marketing Lancashire
• Creative Lancashire
• Lancashire Encounter
• The Harris Museum and Art Gallery
• Places for People
• Cultural Governors - 5 independent practicing artists - Chantal Oakes, Garry Cook, Jack Bamber, Kerry Tenbey and Phil Kaila.

For a copy of the Board's Terms of Reference download the Cultural Framework terms of reference (PDF) [126KB] document.