Research begins on cultural tourism opportunities

Copyright NNDC

A new research project is under way in North Norfolk, looking at ways to boost 'cultural tourism' in the District - to expand and develop the arts to attract more holidaymakers beyond the established holiday season.

North Norfolk District Council has appointed tourism graduate Simon Hawke, 24, to conduct a 15-week study of the cultural life of the District, and examine the potential for new partnerships and initiatives among local artists, musicians and performers and the tourism industry.

Simon's detailed report, to be published in May, will explore the opportunities to help artists and arts organisations establish new cultural events and facilities, such as themed weekend breaks, improved exhibition opportunities or arts festivals, and how those developments can be funded and sustained.

The report will draw on the comments and ideas of the local artistic community and tourism businesses like hotels and attractions, and may be used to help with applications for funding, depending upon the range and ambitiousness of the ideas put forward.

In 1998, NNDC conducted a survey into the state of the District's fishing industry - a study which was instrumental in securing Objective 2 development money for parts of the North Norfolk coast. This research will be conducted in a similar way, and Simon will be working closely with the Council's Arts Officer and Economic and Tourism Development staff.

Brenda Seymour, NNDC's Arts Officer, said: "North Norfolk already has a vibrant cultural scene, and people in the artistic community have many ideas as to how it might be enlivened further. We need this research to draw those ideas together and see what can be put into practice."

Anyone with ideas about developing cultural tourism in North Norfolk can contact Simon, by calling him via the Arts Officer on (01263) 516053 or by email at: shawke@north-norfolk.gov.uk. Approaches from the artistic community or tourism industry are particularly welcome.

Picture shows:
Simon Hawke, NNDC's newly-appointed graduate researcher.