Rooted in Community: Slough’s Cultural Strategy
On Wednesday 26th March, the Moxy Hotel was alive with creative energy as we proudly launched Slough’s Cultural Strategy – the result of a year-long journey shaped by collaboration, consultation, and bold imagination. The event featured powerful speeches from local leaders and inspiring performances by Creative Academy, Empoword, Viva Slough, and the Slough Community Youth Soul Choir.
The strategy marks a new chapter for culture in Slough, and Together As One has been privileged to play a central role. In February 2024, we secured funding from Arts Council England to support the development of a cultural strategy that would be shaped not just for the community – but with it.
Working alongside freelance consultant Terry Adams, members of the Slough Arts Forum, and a wide range of local voices and partners, we brought people together to envision what culture in Slough could and should be. This work was grounded in real-world experimentation, with six seed-funded arts projects piloted across the borough – testing ideas, surfacing talent, and sparking new connections.
Now, we’re excited to share the final strategy: a shared roadmap for a cultural future rooted in equity, inclusion, creativity, and ambition.
Five Priorities to Shape Culture in Slough
At the heart of the strategy are five key priorities, developed through extensive community consultation and creative engagement. These priorities set out a bold, inclusive vision for Slough’s cultural future:
1. Strengthening Cultural Infrastructure
To build a sustainable cultural ecosystem, Slough needs stronger networks, spaces, and investment. The strategy calls for:
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Developing accessible cultural venues and creative spaces.
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Encouraging long-term collaboration between artists, organisations, and civic bodies.
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Embedding culture into local planning and regeneration strategies.
2. Championing Youth Voice and Participation
Young people are at the heart of Slough’s future, and the strategy puts their voices front and centre by:
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Creating more opportunities for youth-led arts and cultural activity.
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Embedding creative learning in schools and youth services.
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Supporting pathways into creative careers for young people from all backgrounds.
3. Celebrating Local Creativity and Talent
Slough’s creative spirit runs deep. The strategy recognises and supports this by:
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Highlighting the work of local artists, makers, and performers.
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Increasing access to creative opportunities for people of all ages.
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Encouraging inclusive, community-led projects that reflect Slough’s diversity.
4. Expanding Support for Creative and Cultural Practitioners
To thrive, creative practitioners need the right support. The strategy aims to:
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Increase professional development, funding access, and networking opportunities.
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Encourage diverse representation within the creative workforce.
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Build clearer routes for artists and freelancers to connect with partners and audiences.
5. Raising the Profile of Slough
Slough has stories to tell – and it’s time more people heard them. The strategy will:
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Develop a stronger cultural brand for Slough.
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Promote the borough’s creative successes locally and nationally.
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Use culture to shape a more confident and connected civic identity.
What’s Next?
The launch is just the beginning. This strategy is a call to action – for artists, educators, organisations, funders, and residents alike. It invites everyone to be part of building a more inclusive, connected, and creatively confident Slough.
You can download the full Cultural Strategy here to explore the vision in more detail, and discover how you can contribute to the next chapter of Slough’s cultural journey: Slough Cultural Strategy
Together As One, we’re proud to stand alongside our community as we shape a brighter, bolder cultural future.