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Culture and Heritage Network Event brings local groups together 

A brand new event has been launched to help local arts, culture and heritage to thrive, linking the groups and organisations who need support with those that have the ability to provide it. 

The inaugural Heritage Network event successfully took place on 25 June at the Abbey Buildings in Abingdon. Around 30 representatives from local museums, cultural organisations, and heritage sites across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse attended. The ambition is for this to become a regular event. 

This event organised by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils brings together people and organisations involved in local heritage and culture.  

The event offered a chance to hear from key organisations like The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Oxfordshire County Council, Museums Development Trust and Arts Council England about funding and future plans across the districts. 

To further support culture and heritage, the pathway to a new Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries (CHCI) Strategy has recently been approved by both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and is set to be launched in Summer 2026. This strategy will serve as a long-term plan to strengthen and grow arts, culture and heritage across both districts. 

This event was an opportunity for the sector and council representatives to make new connections helping the heritage community find access to the support they need in both districts. Attendees at the first event have already found out about funding that’s available to them that they wouldn’t have previously known about. 

Councillor Georgina Heritage – Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “It’s wonderful to see people from across South Oxfordshire coming together to share ideas and support each other across the districts. Events like this help keep our local heritage strong and make sure it’s here for future generations to enjoy. 

“We know how important arts and culture is for the health and wellbeing of our residents. That’s why I’m so glad the pathway to a new Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries Strategy has been approved – it will help us support and shape these organisations to improve the quality of life for everyone who takes part, spectates or is inspired by the skills and creative imagination of others.” 

Councillor Helen Pighills – Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “It was great to hear from speakers who shared valuable information about funding and future plans for the arts. The information will really help us understand how we can work together to support our culture and heritage plans for the Vale. These partnerships are important as we move forward with the development of our new Culture, Heritage and Creative Industries (CHCI) Strategy.” 

ENDS