Torbay Culture was established in 2015 to deliver the Cultural Strategy. ‘Enjoy, talk, do, be’ - a cultural strategy for Torbay and its communities 2014-2024 was created following public consultation. Published jointly by Arts Council England, Torbay Council and TDA, it reflected the needs of communities; and the desire to generate more opportunities for the cultural and creative ecology in the bay. Extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders informed the shape of the vision for culture and determined the strategic aims. To echo the authors’ remarks it was made as much by Torbay as for Torbay.

Torbay Culture is an advisory board appointed following open recruitment; with an executive role employed by Torbay Council. That function was originally hosted from 2015 until 2021 by TDA, before transferring into the Council. In 2020 Torbay Culture co-commissioned the Torbay Heritage Strategy with the Council. Most of the activity delivered by Torbay Culture is funded via external investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and other national bodies. Torbay Culture's independent Board is the guardian of the Cultural and Heritage Strategies for Torbay, and the members of the Board champion heritage, culture and creativity locally and regionally. Our ambition is to make a difference for people, to encourage audience participation in culture, and facilitate creative collaborations that improve the quality of life in the area.

Aims:

·         To increase engagement and participation in cultural opportunities in Torbay.

·         To maximise the distinctive natural and built cultural assets of Torbay.

·         To ensure cultural development is a key driver to economic, social and environmental development in Torbay.