The Dukes are supporting the Culture Makes... campaign because we believe that culture benefits us all. In particular, we want to highlight the impact of Culture on Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Culture Makes... has launched at a critical time for the cultural sector; at a time of ongoing standstill funding for central government, an almost £500m decline in investment from local authorities in recent years, in the face of losses due to Covid, ever rising energy and wider cost of living increases and the news that philanthropic support of culture has more than halved – now is the moment for an overwhelmingly powerful sector voice that cannot be ignored.

Throughout this campaign we will be highlighting 'The 8 Types of Impact of Culture and Heritage’© to celebrate the ways in which culture and heritage as an ecosystem have value  whilst showcasing the impacts their individual activity creates. The aim is to establish a new understanding of the value and impact of culture and heritage that leads to enhanced investment by governments and enhanced support from audiences.

Our Creative Communities department have spent years ensuring that culture and art is non-discrminative and accessible to all by working with schools and families that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford theatre trips and performing arts classes. A long side his work they have developed our Prime Time, a scheme of weekly social and creative workshops. Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, aimed at older community members 65+ who want to meet up with like-minded people, looking for creative opportunities and new experiences. 

If Culture and Heritage organisations recieved more funding schemes like Prime Time, Young Company and our school outreach work could be offered to a wider range of people because culture belongs to everyone.

"I honestly think being given the opportunity to work alongside professional actors, get advice from them and learn how to properly behave in a working theatre is a huge part of who I am as an actor now."

-Young actor and Young Company alumni Ciara Kaighin Adams reflects on her time at The Dukes in her blog. 

Join us. Lend your voice, because Culture Makes Us

If you wish to join the Culture Makes... campaign you can sign up HERE