We want to see culture at the heart of everyday life for people and communities, and strategic decision making for organisations, public bodies and local and national government.
This is because we know culture creates stronger communities, contributes to the economy and helps us understand ourselves and the world around us.
We also know not everyone feels as strongly as we do. This is why we want to give the skills and statistics required to others – within and outside of culture – so we can make sure culture is in every conversation, on the park benches and in Parliament.
You can learn more about our advocacy initiatives below.
Hull & East Yorkshire Devolution
In Spring 2025, HEY Creative brought together a range of partners to consider how arts, culture and heritage could respond to the prospect of devolution. The collective recognised there could be significant opportunities, and central to this was generating a shared understanding of and vision for cultural engagement in Hull & East Yorkshire’s devolution journey.
In response, HEY Creative delivered 7 workshops to support sectoral understanding of devolution and to generate ideas for a proposed way forward. Reviewing the outcome of these workshops alongside how other areas have approached devolution, HEY Creative decided to develop an Arts, Culture & Heritage Devolution Manifesto.
All Mayoral Candidates were invited to meet with HEY Creative to discuss and give their support for the manifesto ahead of the election. HEY Creative also convened and co-hosted a sold-out Culture & Visitor Economy Hustings, attended by all candidates.
Find out more about our work around devolution, and read the manifesto and its commitments, here.
Economic & Social Impact of Culture
In Spring 2026, we will launch the first ever research to quantity the economic and social value that arts, culture and heritage brings to Hull & East Yorkshire. Check back soon to find out more.