Isles of Scilly team launches Manifesto for Culture 2026–2030

The Council of the Isles of Scilly has today launched its new Manifesto for Culture 2026–2030, setting out an ambitious, island-wide vision for the future of arts, heritage and creativity.

Building on the success of the first manifesto published in 2021, the new strategy - produced in partnership with the new Isles of Scilly Museum and Cultural Centre - outlines how culture will continue to play a vital role in the lives of residents and visitors alike.

The Manifesto creates a shared vision for culture across the islands, shaped by creativity and collaboration, seeing culture as a tool to support wellbeing, strengthen community identity and enhance Scilly’s unique sense of place.

At its heart, the Manifesto recognises culture as something created and shared across all five inhabited islands - from artists and makers to community groups, festivals and venues. It establishes four guiding principles - identity, connectivity, inclusion and environmental responsibility - which will shape cultural development over the next five years.

Whilst the ongoing transformation and development of the former Town Hall into the new Isles of Scilly Museum and Cultural Centre represents a transformational milestone, the Manifesto makes clear that the future of culture on Scilly extends far beyond a single building.

The strategy highlights the importance of collaboration between partners across the islands, including local creatives, cultural organisations and community initiatives, all of whom play a vital role in delivering a vibrant, year-round cultural offer.

The new Museum and Cultural Centre on St Mary’s will provide a flagship space for heritage, performance and participation. However, it will sit within a wider cultural ecosystem that includes festivals, grassroots activity and creative practice taking place across the archipelago.

The Manifesto sets out a clear plan for delivery, with practical actions that will shape cultural life across Scilly. These include developing a shared island-wide approach to marketing and ticketing for events, creating a coordinated programme to avoid clashes and strengthen audiences, and expanding opportunities for residents on the off-islands to take part through touring performances, digital access and improved transport coordination.

There is also a strong focus on nurturing local talent - supporting artists and creative businesses to grow, creating new commissions inspired by Scilly’s unique identity, and building skills and opportunities for young people through initiatives such as the Young Curators programme, internships and creative training pathways.

Alongside this, the strategy commits to deepening partnerships beyond the islands, bringing high-quality visiting work to Scilly while also sharing locally-made work with wider audiences, including through digital platforms and cultural exchange with other island communities.

Councillor Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said:
“This Manifesto sets out how we will work together to ensure culture continues to thrive across Scilly. The opening of the Museum and Cultural Centre will be a significant moment, but it is the collective energy of our communities, creatives and partners that will define our success over the coming years.”

Lydia Bassett, Director of the Isles of Scilly Museum and Cultural Centre, added: “The Manifesto really reflects what’s already happening across the islands -people making things, sharing stories and working together in creative ways.

“As we get closer to opening the new Museum and Cultural Centre, we’re excited to play our part in that bigger picture - not just as a building, but as a partner supporting artists, communities and organisations to keep developing brilliant cultural experiences across Scilly.”

Over the past five years, Scilly has seen significant growth in cultural activity through the Arts Council England-funded Culture on Scilly initiative, including year-round arts programming, partnerships with regional and national organisations, and initiatives supporting young people such as the Young Curators programme.

Tammy Bedford, Culture on Scilly Co-ordinator said: “The Manifesto launch marks a new phase of cultural development on Scilly as the Culture on Scilly team hand over to the Museum and Cultural Centre team. Culture on Scilly has had a significant impact and we’re pleased that the Manifesto builds on this momentum.”

The new Manifesto sets out a framework to expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships and increase access to culture for all.

With a clear vision for the future, the Isles of Scilly Manifesto for Culture 2026–2030 positions the islands as a distinctive and ambitious cultural destination—rooted in community, inspired by place, and connected to the wider world.

Read the full document here:

https://www.iosmuseumandculturalcentre.org/blog/cultural-manifesto-2026