Cultural cluster

The community action plan ('Barnstaple Our Town' 2006/2016) aspires to 'Champion Barnstaple’s rich and diverse identity, promote cultural tourism, support creative industries and preserve historic environment.'

The vision for Barnstaple is 'a modern, 21st century town – building on a proud heritage but looking to the future – a dynamic, successful town where everyone is encouraged to achieve the best for themselves, their family and the community.'

A number of Barnstaple’s cultural assets are owned and managed by North Devon Council or Barnstaple Town Council. There is an opportunity for us to work more closely together to improve and enhance the cultural and heritage experience that the town provides. The town’s cultural assets include:

It makes financial sense to work in partnership with Barnstaple Town Council to raise the town’s profile as a cultural centre that is fitting of its sub-regional status. This will bring substantial economic benefits to the town and its residents.

A 'Cultural Cluster' study undertaken by North Devon Council proposes to expand and modify the North Devon Theatres Trust to form a new ‘Cultural Trust’ that will include festivals, the visual arts and crafts and museums within its remit.  This new structure will allow a much more inclusive and dynamic approach to both the visual arts and museums.

The first step towards this new trust was taken in June 2008, when the North Devon Theatres Trust took over the management of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon from the council.

The proposed 'Cultural Trust' would eventually bring together the theatres in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, the North Devon museum and its services in support of local museums, the North Devon festival, any new parts of the Barnstaple Cultural Cluster (e.g. those proposed in the Queen Street/Bear Street development). If approved it is anticipated that the new structure will be implemented during 2008-2009.