Culture Strategy

From world-class festivals and theatres to community arts, brass bands, well dressing, village halls and the stunning landscapes that surround us, culture is part of everyday life in High Peak. It connects our communities, celebrates our heritage and inspires creativity in every corner of the borough.

Our first-ever Culture Strategy marks an exciting milestone for High Peak. It sets out a shared vision for how culture and creativity can enrich lives, strengthen communities and help the borough flourish.

Now the strategy has been approved, we're working with communities, cultural organisations, businesses and partners to turn that vision into reality.

We've also produced an summary version of the Culture Strategy, making it easier for everyone to explore our vision, values and priorities.

View the Culture Strategy Summary here. (PDF, 1 MB)

View the full Culture Strategy document here. (PDF, 1 MB)

Our vision

Our vision is simple:

Culture rooted in our landscapes, shaped by our people.

We want High Peak to be a place where creativity is part of everyday life—alive in schools, theatres, cafés, village halls, town centres and the landscapes that define our borough.

The strategy sets out a shared direction that celebrates our heritage, nurtures creativity, strengthens connections and ensures culture is accessible to everyone.

Why culture matters

Culture is one of High Peak's greatest strengths. It helps people connect with one another, builds pride in where we live and creates opportunities to learn, create and thrive.

The Culture Strategy recognises the important role culture plays in:

• supporting health, wellbeing and social connection
• developing skills, creativity and career opportunities
• strengthening town centres and the local economy
• celebrating our heritage and unique landscapes
• creating welcoming, vibrant communities where everyone feels they belong.

By investing in culture, we're investing in the future of High Peak.

Turning vision into action

The Culture Strategy is a shared commitment to making creativity more visible, more accessible and more connected across the borough.

Working with cultural organisations, community groups, schools, businesses, volunteers and partners, we'll focus on:

• increasing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in culture
• supporting creative spaces and cultural infrastructure
• encouraging collaboration across communities and sectors
• celebrating the distinctive identity of our towns, villages and landscapes
• developing skills and supporting creative careers
• promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible cultural activity.

As projects develop, we'll share updates, funding opportunities, events and stories from across High Peak, celebrating the people and organisations helping to bring the strategy to life.

What we mean by culture

Culture is everywhere.

It's found in our festivals and performances, our history and heritage, our creative businesses and community groups, and in the landscapes that inspire artists, makers and residents alike.

Culture includes:

• Arts and performance
• Music
• Literature
• Architecture
• Archaeology
• Crafts and design
• Film and galleries
• Museums, libraries and heritage
• Creative businesses
• Community organisations and volunteers
• The landscapes, traditions and places that make High Peak unique

Be part of the journey

The Culture Strategy belongs to everyone.

Whether you're an artist, volunteer, community organisation, business, educator or simply passionate about High Peak, there will be opportunities to help shape and deliver projects as the strategy develops.

Together, we can create a borough where culture is visible, accessible and valued by everyone—a place where creativity connects people and place, is rooted in our landscapes and shaped by our people.

For more information, or to discuss how you or your organisation can get involved, please contact culture@highpeak.gov.uk.