“This manifesto sets out how arts, culture and heritage can be leveraged by our new Mayor to enhance connectivity, increase productivity, promote inclusivity and deliver a sustainable future"
Candidates to be Hull & East Yorkshire's first Mayor are urged to put arts, culture and heritage at the heart of their plans for the region
The Hull & East Yorkshire Arts, Culture & Heritage Devolution Manifesto challenges all the Mayoral candidates to seize the huge opportunity offered by the area's rich cultural scene to maximise the positive impact on the region's economy and community.
Cultural organisations, events and activities contribute tens of millions of pounds annually to the Hull & East Yorkshire economy, while giving a significant boost to health and wellbeing, and bringing communities together in more than 250 venues across the region.
Published on World Theatre Day 2025 (Thursday 27th March), cultural leaders have come together to promote the manifesto and its powerful message that culture, the arts and heritage must be central to the region's exciting future under its new Mayor.
The Manifesto has been created in consultation with Hull & East Yorkshire's arts, culture and heritage community - as well as partners in business, education, healthcare and the voluntary sector.
Commitments are aligned to the Strategic Themes of Hull & East Yorkshire's devolution proposal, with examples to provide inspiration to Mayoral candidates.
We’re asking all Mayoral candidates to make the following commitments to support arts, culture and heritage in Hull & East Yorkshire to thrive.
There is one commitment per Strategic Theme, plus some arts, culture and heritage specific requests to finish.
Embed arts, culture and heritage into the Local Transport Plan
Invest in arts, culture and heritage sector skills through the Local Skills Investment Plan
Arts, culture and heritage at the heart of placemaking and regeneration projects
Enable arts, culture and heritage to contribute to and benefit from the Local Area Energy Plan
Examples as to how each commitment could be delivered are provided as inspiration.
• An arts, culture and heritage mayoral hustings.
• A tour of the region to introduce yourself to the sector and understand its needs
• Sign and advocate the Hull & East Yorkshire Creative Charter
• Include arts, culture and heritage in Combined Authority boards and initiatives, including those for business, health etc.
• A financial commitment to arts, culture and heritage, e.g. following regional mayoral counterparts with an 'X% for culture'
“This manifesto sets out how arts, culture and heritage can be leveraged by our new Mayor to enhance connectivity, increase productivity, promote inclusivity and deliver a sustainable future"