Arts praised as council outlines culture strategy (From The Oxford Times)

Arts praised as council outlines culture strategy

9:30am Saturday 15th September 2012 in News

OXFORD’S cultural offering has been declared outstanding as the city council prepares its theatre and arts strategy for the next four years.

The council is consulting on its second strategy after the Audit Commission ruled in 2007 a clear sense of direction was needed.

The draft document for 2012 to 2016 sets out a plan of action for delivering the council’s priorities in the city, improving activities for young people and encouraging diversity and inclusion.

It outlines the need to seek funding and support culture and arts organisations.

At a city executive board meeting on Wednesday, Lib Dem councillor Jim Campbell praised Oxford’s cultural range, but criticised the document’s presentation.

He said: “I think the culture offer we have in the city is outstanding.

“I think for good reasons this report should not be recommended to council, nor should it be offered to anyone as an example.

“In terms of presentation and writing, there are no page numbers, no colour, no photographs, it does not invite people to read it.”

The new strategy comes after the previous document, for 2009 to 2012, was praised for its success.

The board agreed to note the progress of the document, and chief executive Peter Sloman said Mr Campbell would be consulted on the presentation and layout.