Cultural organisations across Ipswich are inviting residents to help shape a new 10-year Culture and Heritage Strategy designed to strengthen the town’s identity and economy. This initiative, which aims to coordinate future creative activities, is being developed with support from Arts Council England, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, and Ipswich Central.
The development of the strategy coincides with the town being named on the longlist for the UK City of Culture 2029 on 18 March 2026. As one of nine locations selected to progress, Ipswich has received £60,000 to develop a full application. While the strategy for the next decade will proceed regardless of the competition outcome, winning the title could provide a significant boost, with the ultimate prize currently set at £10 million.
Residents are encouraged to share their views through an online creativity survey, which is now live. As part of the consultation process, local filmmaker Tom Hobden has been commissioned to gather stories and capture the town through the eyes of those who live here. Additionally, a day of community conversations was held on 4 April 2026 at Ancient House in the Buttermarket, providing an opportunity for shoppers and retailers to contribute their perspectives.
The initiative aims to build a management and delivery structure that includes representatives from the creative industries, education, business, and community organisations. The goal is to create a strategy that is both owned and delivered by the whole town. This work builds on ongoing local efforts, including those driven by DanceEast, which is leading the development of the city of culture bid, and the broader investments overseen by the Business Improvement District.
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