Cheltenham

Following the successful development of a culturally-led Tourism Strategy, CTConsults and The Intelligence Agency were invited back by the newly established Cheltenham Culture Board to develop the town's first Cultural Strategy. Internationally recognised for its festivals, Cheltenham wanted to ensure culture was not something that happened for a few weeks each year, but a year-round asset benefiting residents, creative practitioners and the wider economy.

Working closely with partners across the cultural, heritage and creative sectors, we developed a strategy that positioned culture as a driver of community wellbeing, economic growth and international reputation. It set out a clear framework to strengthen collaboration, support creative talent, widen participation and embed culture more deeply in everyday life across the town.

The strategy has helped secure Cheltenham's long-term commitment to culture, including the council's continued investment of £1.9m per year alongside community grants supporting 35 cultural projects. More broadly, it has strengthened partnership working and reinforced the role of culture as a central part of Cheltenham's future development and prosperity.