The importance and potential of Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage has been recognised by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is targeting investment in the city over the next 10 years to boost the local economy and inspire pride in place.
The CREATE PLACE Heritage & Digital Leadership Programme has been awarded a £207,000 Heritage Places grant. The funding will drive the next phase of its leadership initiative, which is designed to equip professionals with the skills to ensure that the region’s rich cultural history remains a vital part of its future.
There is a recognised need for leadership support at the mid to senior level, and the CREATE PLACE programme will support talented leaders who will play a role in the future of places, heritage sites, buildings and organisations in North Staffordshire.
Professor Carola Boehm, from the C3 Centre for Creative Industries and Creative Communities at University of Staffordshire, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with many thanks to National Lottery players. We believe that the passion for our local heritage, and the leadership talent we have in the city region deserves to be supported by a challenging and exciting leadership programme. We have a fabulous consortium of 10 experienced cultural and heritage organisations, and we cannot wait to welcome the next generation of leaders to this partnership, driving the heritage-led regeneration in our creative city.”
The new investment will allow CREATE PLACE to bring new content to its successful leadership initiative - previously funded by Arts Council England - which has helped to establish key cultural networks and partnerships across the region. Over the last five years, more than 100 fellows have benefited from leadership residencies, leading to significant cultural developments such as the Cultural Compact, Cultural Exchange Forum, and heritage trust initiatives.
The programme will offer executive-leadership training, roundtable challenges and 1:1 coaching to develop knowledge and provide new skills. It will cover a range of topics, including intangible heritage at risk, working with heritage trusts, digital skills, 100-year planning, strategic partnership work, heritage business models, plus tools for participatory governance, inclusion and access.
Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "We are excited to support the CREATE PLACE project to develop leaders who are building a bright and inclusive future for Stoke-on-Trent’s culture and heritage. As one of our Heritage Places, we're helping to unlock the long-term possibilities of local heritage.”
The CREATE PLACE Heritage & Digital project partners are:
- University of Staffordshire (lead)
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council
- Keele University
- Re-form Heritage
- Historic England
- Arts & Heritage
- Art UK
- The Audience Agency
- Wikimedia UK
- Stoke Creates
Applications for the programme are now open. To find out more, visit CREATE PLACE or contact CreatePlace@staffs.ac.uk.