Winchester District Cultural Strategy

The transformative power of culture and creativity

The University is proud to be a partner in the development and delivery of the Winchester District Cultural Strategy for 2030. At the University of Winchester, we believe in the transformative power of culture and creativity. As a local anchor institution, we are dedicated to building a thriving and dynamic community where art, celebration of our heritage, and innovation flourish. 

The power of collaboration

We believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful societal, civic, and community-based benefits. By embedding ourselves with our local community and businesses, we aim to facilitate opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. By supporting local businesses, attracting talented individuals, and enriching the lives of our students and staff and residents, we are confident that we can help make Winchester flourish for the future.

Cultural Strategy launch event

The Winchester Cultural Strategy was formally launched at a celebratory launch event for all stakeholders at the University on 9 Sept 2024. Marking the end of our annual Research & Innovation Day, the celebration event was hosted by the Research & Innovation team.

Jo Stark, the University of Winchester's Head of Innovation and Collaboration, said: "We're proud to be supporting the district's cultural strategy. We will be working in partnership with the community to ensure that we do as much as we can to support opportunities for sustainability and growth. I am confident we will achieve the ambitions laid out in the strategy, and we’re committed to playing our part. As a civically minded anchor institution, we have expressed a commitment to developing a Civic University Agreement. These are place-based strategies that identify how we will connect and interact with our local community. The key is focussing on not just what we’re good at, but what we’re good for!"

Some of the key stakeholders at the launch event. Front row: Winchester City Council representatives Emalene Hickman, Cllr Lucille Thompson and Ellen Evans, and Shian Hunter from Play to the Crowd. Back row: Andrew Gostelow (WCC), Rachel Gander (WCC), Prof. Dan Ashton (Winchester School of Art), Jo Stark (University of Winchester Head of Innovation and Collaboration), and Paul Spencer (Winchester BID). Photo credit RCM

Read the Executive Summary of the Winchester Cultural Strategy:

Collaboration in action

As the partnership developed the strategy, a number of areas emerged that required further discussion and data in order to shape the implementation. We commissioned and worked with local agency Worthwhile Works to complete this deep dive for the partnership. Our collaboration with Worthwhile Works on these reports is a significant step towards realising our vision.

By commissioning this research into key areas of cultural development, we aim to gain invaluable insights that will inform the future direction of Winchester's cultural strategy, helping us to shape a city that is recognised for its cultural excellence, economic prosperity, and strong sense of community.

We have produced a report centred around three core areas:

• The creative economy
• Establishing a brand identity for culture and creativity across the district
• Engaging young people with culture and creativity activities in the district

We look forward to working with partners across the district to deliver this ambitious strategy for our community.

Read the Executive Summary of the Report:

Further Information

For more information on the strategy, a copy of the full report or to find out more about how the University is supporting the implementation of this strategy, contact Jo Stark, Head of Innovation & Collaboration.

Find out more about collaboration at Winchester

Image top: Visualisation of Winchester in the 1700s by University of Winchester digital heritage specialists