‘We will have your back’, Nandy tells cultural sector

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has emphasised the role the cultural and creative sectors can play in driving national renewal in her first major speech in post.

Addressing more than 150 organisations at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Nandy said the “inspiring and inclusive story” seen in the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony is “waiting for someone to give voice to it again”.

Highlighting Manchester’s groundbreaking cultural achievements such as the world’s “first free library”, Nandy said the new government would show similar drive, creativity and inclusion, as well as a “willingness to do things differently”.

She said this spirit was already evident in the government’s activity, including a curriculum review to give children more creative and sports opportunities, and its investment in grassroots sport.

Stressing the significance of creativity and culture to economic growth, Nandy claimed: “Through our partnerships with our mayors, councils, businesses and charities, we’re putting rocket boosters under our growing industries – film and theatre, TV, fashion, video games, heritage and tourism – to take the brakes off the economy, create opportunity for every child and to export our incredible talent across the world.”

She added that she intended to make sure public appointments “truly reflect” the country’s diversity – “not to fulfil a quota, but to ensure that our government draws on the creative might of all of our people”.

Nandy promised those that shared her vision “that we will walk alongside you. We will have your back. And we will give voice to the country many of us have believed in all our lifetime but never quite yet seen.”

The summit included representatives from major media and entertainment companies such as the BBC and Amazon, alongside national sports, tourism and cultural organisations.