Yorkshire Mayors agree to prioritise cultural activity

Tracy Brabin and Dan Jarvis have met for the first time to commit to building a strong partnership between their two regions.

The Metro Mayors of South and West Yorkshire said that the start of their important partnership would see them agree to work together to promote and enhance the arts, culture, heritage and visitor economy in the region, including increasing participation of communities in arts, culture and heritage activity.

Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Today is the start of a partnership that will deliver for our communities and make a real difference as we seek to accelerate Yorkshire’s recovery from Covid-19. It’s been inspiring to hear about how the Yorkshire Sculpture Park has adapted and changed over the last year in order to survive and about their existing plans for the future. We know the value of the arts and culture industry alone was worth £370 million to Yorkshire and Humber in 2016, but this vibrant sector has more to give, and we will put our regions at the heart of the creative industry. We want our regions and our talented communities to be firmly on the national and international stage.  Not only will this create jobs, but it will boost the wider economy - bringing people from far and wide into our wonderful towns and cities.

“As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, the arts, culture and heritage have a central role to play. We will do all that we can to support our businesses and our residents, standing up for what matters to them. By working together, we have a stronger voice for Yorkshire that can drive positive change.”

Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “As the economy and society opens up we’re sending a message that Yorkshire is open for business, for visitors and for investment. This is the start of a stronger, more productive and powerful alliance that will put Yorkshire communities, our businesses, our research and innovation strengths and our cultural and creative output at the heart of a civic and economic renaissance.

“We have a world class Arts, Culture and Heritage offer and a creative economy that helps to fire new jobs, new businesses and create pride and confidence in our communities. That offer is exemplified here at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There will be more to come – for our economy to work for the people we serve we need more ideas, more people and more businesses to flow, interact and connect across the region. By better connecting physically, virtually and culturally a host of assets we can recover and renew.”

The Mayors also agreed to work with the government to make sure that the national Levelling Up agenda delivers for the people, businesses and communities of Yorkshire, and make transport connectivity between the two regions fit for the 21st century.