Hounslow’s first Culture Strategy sets out a bold vision for the next decade to place Hounslow on the map as a destination borough and place culture at its heart.
It recognises that the arts drive wellbeing, economic growth and help to bring people together. And it sets out Hounslow’s ambition to enter, and win, London Borough of Culture.
The strategy was developed in partnership with residents, cultural organisations and businesses, with more than 600 people taking part in surveys and workshops with the producers and consumers of culture. Key cultural organisations such as Chiswick House and Gardens, Feltham Arts, Hounslow Arts Trust, and Culture Commons, , along with groups such as Brentford Voice, played a pivotal role in shaping the strategy, which aims to position Hounslow as a vibrant, inclusive and nationally recognised destination for arts, heritage and creative enterprise.
The Council’s new strategy is underpinned by the principles of representation, equity and community wellbeing and focuses on three key themes:
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Celebrating People and Places: this theme is about recognising and celebrating the people, stories and places that make Hounslow unique. From long-standing heritage to the living cultures of communities who call the borough home today, the strategy aims to ensure everyone can see themselves reflected in Hounslow’s cultural life. By bringing culture into parks, libraries, town centres, historic buildings and public spaces, the Council will support activity that builds pride, strengthens belonging and makes culture part of everyday life.
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Fostering Talent and Partnerships: Hounslow’s cultural life depends on the creativity and skills of its people. This theme focuses on supporting local artists, creatives and organisations to develop, connect and thrive. By strengthening partnerships between communities, cultural organisations, education providers and businesses, the strategy will open up clearer pathways for young people, support creative careers and ensure culture is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in local talent.
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Sustainable Renewal: This theme focuses on building a resilient cultural sector that can adapt to change, embrace digital innovation and support long-term growth. It places culture at the heart of regeneration, economic growth, and community wellbeing, while supporting environmentally responsible ways of working and measuring the impact of cultural activity. This theme looks to ensure that culture in Hounslow is resilient, inclusive and built to last and thrive.
The strategy will be delivered through collaborative action plans with partners across the borough. These plans will include practical projects to improve access to cultural activities, support young people’s creative pathways, and promote Hounslow as a cultural destination.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
This culture strategy is our ‘north star’ that will guide our culture offering over the next ten years and cement and grow our reputation as a leading London borough for arts, culture and heritage.
This isn’t necessarily a ‘council strategy’ but a ‘borough’ culture strategy that has been co-created with cultural organisations across Hounslow. I would like to personally thank them for their contribution.
Our long-term ambition is for Hounslow to become London’s Borough of Culture and I know our culture strategy will play a pivotal role in us achieving this ambition.
For more information visit https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/inHounslow/
