In this blog, OAUK Director Sho Shibata reflects on recent conversations across government and the cultural sector and what this could mean for Outdoor Arts.
What I’m Hearing from Government, and Why Outdoor Arts Matters
Over recent months, I have attended a number of discussions with politicians, civil servants, cultural organisations and major events stakeholders about the government’s priorities for culture, growth and regeneration.
While each conversation approached these challenges from a different angle, several common themes emerged. There is growing interest in how culture can contribute to local economic growth, support thriving high streets, strengthen communities and create a stronger sense of place. Alongside this, there is a clear desire to ensure that public investment delivers visible benefits that can be experienced by local people.
What struck me was how closely these priorities align with the strengths of the outdoor arts sector.
Outdoor arts combines artistic ambition with accessibility and public engagement. It reaches people where they already are: in streets, parks, town centres and public spaces. The sector is a coalition of artists, producers and organisations with shared civic ambition of creating experiences that help people connect with one another and with the places they live.
This is not a future aspiration for our sector. It is what OutdoorArtsUK members deliver every day across the country.
As the Government develops new approaches to major events, devolution, regeneration and place-based growth, outdoor arts has practical experience to offer. The sector understands how to engage communities at scale, animate public spaces and create cultural activity that is both accessible and impactful.
My main takeaway from these conversations is simple: many of the outcomes policymakers are seeking are already being delivered through outdoor arts, and the sector looks forward to sharing our expertise through continued dialogue.
There is an upcoming opportunity to do so at our National Conference 2027, Joy is a Civic Force, taking place in Hull on 2nd and 3rd February, and OutdoorArtsUK have recently released statements about how the sector can support with the Northern Olympics Bid and our involvement with UK Cities of Culture.
