Exeter is a great city for arts and culture and quality of life

Published: 16 February 2024

Exeter is a thriving city of culture with a host of top venues and organisations, the city’s Lead Councillor for Arts and Culture said during a visit to some of its popular locations.

Cllr Laura Wright, Deputy Leader of the City Council, said she hoped as many people as possible will take part in a consultation on Exeter’s new Cultural Strategy when it launches later this year.

The strategy aims to discover what culture means to people in Exeter and the role it plays in their daily lives.

Exeter is home of five Arts Council National Portfolio Organisations - Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Northcott, RAMM, Libraries Unlimited and UNESCO City of Literature.

The Council makes a contribution to the funding of these organisations which allows them to be supported by the Arts Council.

They are the cornerstone of Exeter’s cultural life and are very much valued by residents, and there is also a host of other venues and organisations who play a crucial role in the city.

2024 is also Exeter’s fifth year as a UNESCO designated City of Literature, which has helped to put the city on a global stage culturally.

Cllr Wright said: “Culture is so important to Exeter. A recent study revealed that RAMM is a massive contributor to the local economy in terms of the money it generates and the number if visitors it attracts to the city centre.

“It is also free to enter and provides a great place for families to entertain and educate children.

“All of our cultural organisations and venues have a unique role to play, and I am just so pleased that the City Council is able to support this creative industry.”

Cllr Wright added: “Later this year we will consult on our Cultural Strategy, and we are really keen to hear from as many people as possible about what culture means to them.”