Town of Culture Bid | Buxton Our Street

What stories about Buxton — its places, landscapes, people, communities, culture or heritage — feel most essential to who we are?
What parts of Buxton’s identity are we proud of, and what aspects are not yet widely recognised but should be?
What themes should a Town of Culture programme use to bring Buxton’s story to life (e.g., water & wellbeing, nature & geology, heritage, youth voice, creativity, resilience)?
What kinds of creative activity would best express Buxton’s story to residents and visitors?
What do you wish more people (locally or nationally) understood about Buxton?
How could the programme raise Buxton’s profile — in tourism, culture, health & wellbeing, or heritage?

What are the most pressing challenges facing people in Buxton today (e.g., health inequalities, youth opportunity, isolation, town centre vitality, transport)?
Which groups or demographics need better opportunities to participate in culture, and why?
How could a Town of Culture programme meaningfully respond to these challenges?
What existing local or regional strategies should the programme build on (e.g., cultural, tourism, economic, youth, wellbeing or environmental plans)?
How can the bid complement rather than duplicate what is already happening in Buxton and Derbyshire?

Who else should we be speaking to at this early stage?
How do you think local people want to be involved in shaping the vision?
How can Buxton’s residents, creatives, organisations and businesses play a real role in designing the full programme?
What decision‑making structures would help keep the community’s voice at the centre?

Which venues, heritage sites, outdoor spaces, festivals, and organisations should be key pillars of the programme?
Where are the gaps in Buxton’s cultural infrastructure — and how could a Town of Culture year address them, even temporarily?
How can the programme connect heritage with contemporary creativity?
What types of events or creative projects should anchor the year (large‑scale spectacles, small community commissions, artist residencies, street arts, digital experiences, etc.)?
How should different activities support and strengthen each other?
Are there artists or collectives you feel Buxton should work with?

What learning, skills‑building, or creative career opportunities would be most valuable for local people?
How can we ensure young people feel represented and genuinely involved?
What barriers stop people accessing cultural opportunities, and how can the programme remove them?
What positive social changes could a Town of Culture programme help achieve in Buxton?
How could the programme strengthen belonging, pride, wellbeing, or community connection?

Which partners, local, regional, or national would strengthen Buxton’s programme?
What kinds of collaborations (artists, festivals, universities, businesses, heritage bodies, community groups) would make the biggest impact?
How could we involve partners early to shape ideas and share capacity?
Which communities or demographics still need stronger representation in cultural leadership or partnership work?
How can we make sure partnerships reflect the full diversity of Buxton’s people and voices?

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