Bewnans Kernow
History was made on Saturday 14 February when a new partnership for Cornwall was proposed. A meeting in Truro saw 33 out of over 40 so far identified groups progressing the causes of cultural activities in Cornwall, and around the World, that are specifically Cornish in nature. The partnership, to be known as Bewnans Kernow or Cornish Life, has been offered a seat at the Cornwall Cultural Partnership. This higher level partnership represents the whole Cultural Sector in Cornwall and feeds into the top level Cornwall Strategic Partnership, tasked with drawing up a new Strategic Plan for Cornwall. This plan will be the blueprint for service development, delivery and funding in Cornwall as we move forwards. It is very encouraging to see culture recognised as one of the eight ‘thematic’ partnerships feeding into the plan, and even more pleasing that the importance of our indigenous cultural activities has been recognised by the authorities.
Bewnans Kernow was convened by the Gorseth after it had been approached, as being a natural leader across the Sector, to help create such a partnership. The new partnership will be provided with a part time secretariat by the Gorseth, in order to establish the group, thanks to some funding from Cornwall Council.
Two more meetings have been planned over the next few months in order to provide further input into the Cornwall Strategic Plan from the Cornish Cultural Sector and to formally establish the group as a partnership body.
The Gorseth would like to thank Cornwall Council and the leadership of the organisations so far looking to commit to the new body. In particular, Julie Seyler from the Creative Unit at Cornwall Council is acknowledged for her support in the process.
SW Culture Quango
Bards will be pleased to know that the unpopular quango "SW Culture" is to close at the end of March. The Gorseth was at the forefront of the vigorous opposition to the approach to Cornish Culture of this quango.
|
