Creativity Strategy

For the benefit of everyone in North East Lincolnshire

Funded by Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and NELC, the Creativity Strategy outlines a 5-year framework which sets out our key ambitions grouped under 3 key themes:

The Create North East Lincolnshire Creativity Strategy

Actors and fish related puppets in a colourful scene for Kazbah Theatre

Creativity For All

Increasing the amount and visibility of creative activities in the area, focussing on equity, diversity, and inclusion, involving young people and bringing generations together.

Creative Economy

Developing the next generation of creative people, securing funding, supporting creative individuals and businesses.

A person making actions in front of a digital sign.

Creative Working

Embedding creativity in everyone’s lives, taking advantage of digital technology, striving for quality, working in collaboration and learning from others.

The Stories to be Told.

Stories have the power to change, whether us as people or the place we live in. By bringing these stories into the open there is an opportunity for us to further develop pride in the area, but also to express our own stories, achievements and potential. Creativity can be central to uncovering these stories and expressing them in a way that others can connect with. Stories and identity can then, by turn, help with promoting the area beyond its borders to change perceptions, encourage visitors and attract investment.

Explore these slides to learn more about the nine themes for the stories to be told about the area. These will serve as the source of inspiration for local creative activities. By focusing on these themes, there are opportunities to grow projects that are rooted in and inspired by the local area.

The role Grimsby, Immingham, Cleethorpes and the Wolds play in the world. A chance to highlight and celebrate the impact the area has had and continues to have - historically, economically, environmentally or through popular culture.

The Sea. The development of the area has been hugely influenced by the fact it is by the sea. From fishing and ports to tourism and sustainable energy - it has shaped a distinct economy, people and appearance.

The Coast. The beaches, the coastline and the views out to sea have been an inspiration for creative people for generations and will continue to be into the future.

Green Spaces (Ecology & Biodiversity). The rich natural environment - the saltmarsh, the wolds, the site of special scientific interest, the coastal sand dunes or ancient woodland - and how this can be both the inspiration for creative work and the place where it takes place.

Environmental Responsibility. Creativity can be used to celebrate and share this as well as using it as a starting point to talk about climate change.

Sustainable Energy. The area has become a focal point for the production of sustainable energy and creativity can be used to celebrate this. There is the chance to look at how we minimise our environmental impact and think about our environmental responsibilities.

Welcoming Visitors . Cleethorpes has a long history as a tourist destination, whether for day trippers or longer holidays. There are opportunities to research and celebrate this history and the changes it brought to the area.

Food & Drink. The area is a UK leader for food and seafood processing. Food has and continues to play an important role not just for the area, but for people across the country having access to food.

Local people - Industry, Trades, Innovations and Achievements.The area has been the birthplace of many creative individuals, entrepreneurs, actors, writers, 3 journalists, innovators and pioneers. There is the chance to celebrate these people and achievements, but to also research those less well known about

Historic buildings, Public Spaces and Landscapes. The area has a wealth of significant heritage buildings, public space and landscapes.There is the chance to conserve, adapt, regenerate and celebrate this range of buildings and structures through creative activities, telling the story of change and renewal.

Central to the Creativity Strategy is a sustainable focus on landscape and connection to nature.

We will continue to deliver activity in parks, open spaces and other natural assets to highlight the world class natural heritage on our doorstep.