Culture in Common

Cultural mentoring in the New Forest

Think ‘New Forest’, and you might think ponies, outdoorsy holidays in a National Park, or even the ancient practice of commoning. But you probably don’t think ‘cultural cluster’ or ‘creative hub’. But you’d be wrong. 

We’re working with partners in the New Forest to develop a cultural strategy, and we’re doing it a little differently than usual – there’s nothing common about the New Forest! Building upon our experience of mentoring the cultural sector in Blackpool to create their cultural strategy, we’re now doing something similar in the New Forest to help them define their shared values and ambitions for culture.  

The ‘usual’ process involves commissioning consultants. They research, engage, develop – and write – a cultural strategy and action plan with and for the cultural sector and the communities they serve. That can work well. But in the New Forest a more co-designed approach is needed. It might take a little more to build trust and confidence, agree on aims, develop a collective vision and tone of voice amongst diverse stakeholders. But the outcome will be cultural partners feeling true ownership of an authentic plan they can get behind. This is a great start for what comes next – delivery (the important bit, after all).

In Blackpool, we did just this; with a strategy development group comprising officers from the Council, the Grand Theatre, and Leftcoast. The writing group involved the BID, the College, House of Wingz and Aunty Social CIC. There were editors from Abingdon Studios, The Old Electric and Blackpool Social, and a wider steering group including Showtown, Blackpool Illuminations, the Winter Gardens and the Libraries Service. (Of course, we also consulted with plenty more organisations and individuals throughout.) This group committed hours, days, and weeks to this process. This was a big ask for freelance / non-salaried individuals, so we ensured that they were paid for their time. In Blackpool, we learnt that working in this way takes just as long (if not longer) and costs just as much (if not more) than the ‘usual’ method. But it was the right way for that cultural community to go.

So when the New Forest approached us about mentoring them, we were able to prepare them for the commitment they needed to make. Fortunately, they had secured the funds to pay for significant community consultation (conducted by the ever-lovely Chris Rolls of Collective Sense). They already have a well-established cultural network in Folio, and we had previously worked in the Solent region, so had a headstart on regional intel. 

Prior to beginning the writing process, we provided an ‘Insights and Evidence Report’: lots of data analysis and research to be the ‘quant’ to sit alongside Chris’ ‘qual’ work. Now there was a solid base to begin. And this week, Amy and Andrew have been ‘in residence’ at the extraordinary SPUD. It was great to work with the nominated strategy development team in situ, and with the wider Folio group, to determine their future ambitions. 

Given the context – and uncertainty – of devolution on the horizon, and how that will impact New Forest’s distinctive cultural identity, it’s vital that this sector uses this time to carefully map out the future it wants to see. A shared cultural strategy – written by the sector, for the sector – can protect it from the vulnerabilities of political decisions. Now that they have agreed on a shared direction, our job is to continue to provide objective, strategic perspective and oversight.  

The New Forest’s Rights of Commoners includes the right to common pasture and to collect wood for fuel. What if there was also a Right to Culture, to use cultural participation as fuel for inspiration and more? We’re excited by the opportunity to help frame the future of culture in this remarkable place, by protecting and sharing its unique heritage through creative experiences for residents and visitors alike. 

Honorary mentions: we loved the Monkey Brewhouse – top pies and pints from their micro-brewery! (A keg may have made its way back to the office with us.) The Forest Deli in Sway served us a delicious lunch. And Amy snuck to Coombe Stables for a (mounted) pony-spotting safari in the open forest. When in Rome.