a woman is smiling whilst she paints a blue fish on a canvas

Ashfield’s plan to become a cultural heartland of East Midlands 

Ashfield District Council have revealed their ambitious plan to put Ashfield on the map as a cultural heartland of the East Midlands by 2035. 

Ashfield is full of culture and the strategy captures all the opportunities, organisations and potential that is shown across the District. Culture can be hard to define however it includes, but isn’t limited to arts and creativity, libraries, public spaces, parks and nature, food, fashion and digital media, events and festivals, local traditions and dialects. 

The newly published Ashfield Cultural Strategy – 2026 to 2035 sets out their aims and vision for the District’s creative and cultural potential. The four key outcomes of the ten-year strategy are: 

  1. Increased cultural participation and accessibility – breaking down barriers to allow traditionally marginalised groups to take part in cultural activities.

  2. Enhanced community wellbeing and cohesion – increasing collective wellbeing and pride in place to build stronger communities.

  3. Ashfield is recognised as a cultural heartland of the East Midlands – creating an Ashfield identity with regular activities ensuring Ashfield is the go-to place for cultural experiences.

  4. Vibrant and resilient creative economy – igniting creative offerings to drive engagement and footfall in turn supporting local businesses.

The strategy is an important new plan as it will shape how the Council and its partners will strengthen Ashfield, using culture as the cornerstone, which will result in real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors. Social and economic value will be delivered by bringing people together and uniting diverse communities through shared stories and experiences. 

Cllr Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead Member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said

“Arts and culture are not just a ‘nice to have,’ they are essential to successful, inclusive, and vibrant communities and places. They bring people together, build skills and are a key factor in enabling inclusive and sustainable growth and present a huge opportunity for Ashfield and the wider East Midlands region. Our cultural events boost local businesses, while creative industries and skills development position Ashfield as a vibrant place to invest, work, and grow”.

Culture is everywhere and for everyone, from remembering Ashfield’s rich industrial heritage and trail-blazing figures such as Ada Lovelace and Harold Larwood, to the future of the District as a place of innovation and creation with vibrant town centres. 

The full strategy can be read on our website

Image Credit: Dan Danovan 

Posted on 19 March 2026