About the project

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) was reviewing its arts and cultural strategy as part of its strategic planning process. Although savings needed to be made, there was recognition of the potential for arts and culture to support the Council's economic and social ambitions for the area - in particular Grantham, a growth point.

The consultancy's role

Alix Slater Consultancy & Training was brought in by the main consultant team, Mouchel, to provide an evidence base to enable SKDC to understand the opportunities for developing the service, identifying what the core offer should be, the benefits of doing so, and the needs of SKDC's communities.

The consultancy undertook primary and secondary research, including meetings with stakeholders, reviews of booking patterns at two arts centres, a literature review of policy at national and regional level, and drawing together relevant case studies the Council could learn from. The main output was an evidence-based document to support the Council's future arts and cultural services strategy. It identified a much richer heritage and arts offer than previously recognised - much of it being delivered by third parties - and made suggestions as to how the Council might deliver its future strategy.