As we approach the Creative Peninsula Festival…..

We are asking anyone who would like to see more creative and cultural activities in your village in Ards and North Down to tell the council .

Ards and North Down Borough Council are developing new Village Plans for each of the villages within the Borough.

The village plan consultation is currently open for Ballygowan, Ballyhalbert, Ballywalter, Carrowdore, Conlig, Cloughey, Greyabbey, Groomsport, Helen's Bay & Crawfordsburn, Killinchy, Kircubbin, Lisbarnett & Lisbane, Millisle, Portavogie and Portaferry.

As a creative hub, that takes time to learn from its peers across Europe, we are hearing about creative hubs that are surviving and thriving in rural settings.

These spaces lean into the local area, providing a space that brings numerous benefits to their areas.

In 2021 Boom! Inc measured is social value and reposted on the impacts that it is creating. You can find the report here.

What could more more creative and cultural activity look like in your village?

- a dedicated flexible space for cultural and creative courses, workshops, events and activities.

- dedicated workspaces for creative and cultural workers, practitioners,enterprises

- Creative and cultural activities in your village for young families, children, teens young adults, adults and older people.

- More opportunities for artists, cultural creative people to work in your village.

- more public art - street art or more permenant installations.

-more collaborations between businesses and local creatives.

The Village Plan are documents which outlines the long-term goals and vision for the village.

The actions identified in the Village Plan helps to co-ordinate development efforts and investment and ensure there is a clear vision for the future.

This survey is part of an extensive public engagement exercise which will include a series of public engagement sessions, further details can be found here.

Ards and North Down Borough Council would appreciate if you can take a few minutes to complete the survey here.

https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/regeneration/your-village-your-voice/consultation/intro/