We believe culture is the background and the bedrock of our country; it is everywhere and benefits everyone. It breathes life into our towns, cities and countryside, creating places where people want to live and invest. We believe culture can be universally engaging, supporting social cohesion, generating community identity and a sense of place. It offers up lessons about our past and provides creative solutions to the greatest challenges of our future.

According to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking, complex and creative problem-solving and creativity are the top three skills that will survive in the face of increasing automation. Access to cultural activity through a range of formal and informal settings will provide opportunities to develop these critical skills. We believe that the perception of Surrey as a creative and innovative set of towns and villages largely located in outstanding landscape will attract entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners to invest, live and work here.

The core policy areas for Surrey of health and wellbeing, skills, education, growth, inclusivity, and regeneration are central components of cultural activity and provision. Culture finds expression in people’s homes and in our towns and villages. It shapes the lives of everybody, and should be open to everybody, regardless of age, ethnicity, or political persuasion.

**The power of culture **

We believe that engaging with culture can:

• Develop people’s confidence and self-esteem, helping them realise their potential and extend control over their lives
• Improve people’s emotional health and wellbeing by reducing isolation and providing positive activities that distract from the stress of everyday life
• Develop skills and knowledge in individuals
• Create economic benefits through cultural tourism, creative industries, and skills development
• Give a better understanding of our past: valuing our heritage, either tangible or intangible helps us to gain a sense of place and belonging
• Grow individual and community aspirations
• Realise greater levels of collaboration and partnership between sectors
• Enable joint learning and developing a sense of identity with a local centre or neighbourhood.

1. Introduction
2. Culture for Everyone
3. Resilient Communities
4. County-wide Ecology, Infrastructure and Placemaking
5. Creativity as Enterprise