Page 194 - Minutes of meeting

The Well-being Challenge

Culture & Heritage

Barrow has successfully developed a healthy, independent and influential
cultural society.

Barrow has an unusually high number of arts organisations working with
various agencies to improve the quality of life in the town. There are over
20 ranging from the Council managed theatre on the high street to small

charitable organisations across every artform. They include a number of
core funded arts organisations of regional and national renown. There are
3 Arts Council England 2019 ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ (NPOs),
Art Gene, Ashton Group and Full of Noises located within the town who
represent ¼ of the NPOs of Cumbria, serving 18% of Cumbria’s
population on the Furness Peninsula.

Local arts organisations represent a vibrant sector with the potential to spearhead cultural activity such as exhibitions, installations,
festivals and events to increase engagement and improve the vitality of the town.

The council owned Dock Museum and The Forum theatre provide residents and visitors with access to a range of exhibitions,
shows and experiences for all ages.

Barrow has a wealth of heritage assets including listed buildings, statues, parks and conservation areas. Heritage is important to

the local economy with some of the towns significant visitor attractions being based upon their heritage, providing opportunities for
learning about the history of the area including shipbuilding and the iron and steel industry upon which the towns economy was
built.

The local character and distinctiveness of the town provide a sense of place and pride for residents and have a positive impact on
the quality of the built environment and attractiveness of the town.

Source: Barrow Borough Council