Members of Renfrewshire’s creative scene are being encouraged to have their say on the future strategy for culture services in the area at a series of events this week.

Renfrewshire – A Place to Celebrate is the strategy document setting out how the area’s creative and cultural scene should work, and is in the process of being reviewed.

Big issues which will help impact on the strategy include the upcoming transfer of council-run arts and museums services to a culture and leisure trust later this year, as well as Paisley’s upcoming bid for UK City of Culture 2021

The document is a partnership between the council and the cultural community and bosses are keen for as many local groups to contribute as possible.

A series of consultation events have been organised where the public can find out more about the strategy and voice their opinions on what should be in it.
They are at: Renfrew Town Hall (Tues 20 Jan); Paisley Town Hall (21 Jan); Tweedie Hall, Linwood (22 Jan); Fordbank PS, Johnstone (27 Jan); and a final event in Paisley Town Hall (29 Jan). All start at 7pm.

Councillor James Harte, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board said: “Renfrewshire has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving creative scene.

“This strategy examines how we make the most of this and is intended to be a partnership document representing the vision for Renfrewshire as a whole.

“It can only work if it is owned by a wide range of groups from the community and this review is our chance to engage as many people as possible.

“Of course there are some massive factors which will help shape the new strategy, and the review is being carried out with these in mind.

“The transfer of the management of museums, libraries and town hall to a trust will allow us to build on the successful model already operated for our leisure services.

“Plus we are entering a very exciting few years for the local creative scene as we look to submit Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 in two years’ time.

“That bid will form part of a wider push to use culture and heritage to transform the area’s future – and will see us build on our existing strengths in that area.

“I would encourage anybody with an interest in that process to get involved in the cultural strategy meetings and tell us how they think things could shape up.”

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X