East Suffolk

East Suffolk has a cultural ecology more comparable to a metropolitan area. Internationally recognised venues sit alongside a growing network of community-led organisations and creative practitioners. So a strategy needed to connect diverse places and organisations, ensuring every community could benefit from culture while supporting the creative sector.

Alongside The Intelligence Agency, CTConsults developed a strategy that cemented culture as a driver of regeneration, wellbeing, creativity and economic growth. The strategy created a framework for investment, partnership working and long-term sector development. It also recognised East Suffolk's growing appeal as a place for creative practitioners to live and work, identifying the infrastructure they need to prosper.

The strategy has been impactful: the creation of a new Cultural Officer role, a new Cultural Network, new arts investment funds and dedicated support for children and young people. It has also helped underpin major investment in Lowestoft, including two new National Portfolio Organisations and a £25m Cultural Quarter with new creative studios and theatre spaces.