Bedford Cultural Partnership

The Bedford Cultural Partnership is a growing alliance of local cultural organisations, Bedford Borough Council and the University of Bedfordshire.Together, they’re championing culture as a driver for social, creative and economic growth. Currently operating as an informal action group, the Partnership is laying the groundwork for a strategic Cultural Compact that will guide the Borough’s cultural future and support initiatives like the Bedford Arts and Cultural Education (BACE) network.

NEWS

Bedford Borough's Cultural Vision: a Cultural Compact for Bedford

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting on Wednesday 3rd December at the Place Bedford. Creative people and Bedfordians passionate about arts and culture were invited by Bedford Cultural Partnership to discuss what a Cultural Compact might look like for Bedford. A Cultural Compact is a type of network or structure that helps to support and connect creative people across an area to develop arts and culture.The event featured a presentation on what a Cultural Compact is, how Compacts have made a difference in other regions, and a potential structure and timeline for the creation and launch of a Compact for Bedford. The presentation was followed by questions and discussions with fellow creatives on how a Compact for Bedford could be shaped.The presentation panel was made up of Elaine Midgley, Director of Bedford Creative Arts, Matthew Jones, co-founder of 1DegreeEast and Tom Perrett, Head of Leisure and Culture, Bedford Borough Council.A follow-up meeting with a guest speaker from Creative Medway is planned for January (date tbc). In the meantime, there is an opportunity to share any feedback and thoughts on a Cultural Compact for Bedford through a survey - see the link below.

• Complete the survey
• Download the presentation

NEWS

Launch of the Bedford Cultural Vision

On Wednesday 1 October 2025, The Quarry Theatre in Bedford hosted the launch of a bold new Cultural Vision for Bedford.This public event marked the unveiling of a shared Cultural Vision developed by the Bedford Cultural Partnership.The vision set out an ambitious roadmap for how arts and culture could drive positive change across Bedford – socially, creatively, and economically – with local communities at its heart.The event featured:
- An introduction to the Cultural Vision for 2030, including its core values and priorities
- An overview of what a Cultural Compact is and how it could benefit Bedford
- Opportunities for attendees to share ideas and aspirations
- Networking with creatives, cultural professionals, and community members
- Live performances celebrating Bedford’s diverse creative communityThe free public event brought together artists, educators, and residents passionate about shaping Bedford’s cultural future.