London Mayoral Strategy on culture
Resource/Evaluation type
Rapid health impact assessment
Subject area
Culture
Summary
United Kingdom - 2003
The benefits of culture to wider agendas such as health – both physical and mental – and community safety are increasingly recognised. Cultural activity can promote integration and help people develop self-confidence and a sense of citizenship. However, more work is required to demonstrate the precise role of culture in health and to co-ordinate existing resources.
In London, the Mayor is responsible for producing a set of strategies covering transport, economic development, buildings, land use, the environment, as well as culture. All these strategies must take into account sustainable development, health and equalities. They must also work together and minimize conflict.
An HIA on the Mayoral strategy for culture was carried out in 2003, based on a half-day workshop. It resulted in 6 recommendations: defining how cultural activity can affect the different aspects of individual and community life; acknowledging food as an important vehicle for expressing and celebrating cultural diversity; considering how the creative industries may improve working conditions and provide career paths; considering the tensions involved in a 24-hour economy with areas of mixed land use; and strengthening social and economic development through cultural policy by valuing communities; recognising the importance of transport in London for sustaining cultural activity and development.
More information
Author and Email
Donna Carr
donna.carr@london.gov.uk
Owner contact details
London Health Commission
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London SE1 2AA
Tel: 020 7983 4120
E-mail:health.commission@london.gov.uk