Consultation begins into the future of culture in the area

Residents in Newtown and across north Powys are being urged to have their say on the future of culture as part of a major new partnership bringing together four Welsh local authorities.

Led by Powys County Council, the Mid and West Wales Strategic Culture Partnership has been formed with councils in Carmarthenshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council to create a long-term cultural vision for the region.

The initiative follows the Welsh Government’s cultural priorities, published in 2025, and aims to develop a shared strategy that reflects the needs and aspirations of communities across one of Wales’ largest and most rural areas.

As part of the consultation, residents in Newtown will have the opportunity to take part in a drop-in session and workshop at Newtown Library on Monday, 15 June.

The library will host a drop in session from 11am to 5pm, followed by an evening workshop between 7pm and 8.30pm. Both sessions will be available in Welsh and English and are open to anyone interested in discussing what culture means to them and their community.

Organisers say culture can mean many different things, from arts, theatre and literature to local heritage, libraries, community events and the Welsh language.

Councillor Raiff Devlin, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said: “Culture plays an important role in the life of our communities, helping to strengthen local identity, support wellbeing and create opportunities.

“This is a real opportunity for people across Powys to help shape the future of culture across Mid and West Wales, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their views.”

The consultation is being delivered through the Cwlwm project, known as Golwg Creadigol, and will help inform a regional Cultural Vision alongside four local Cultural Priority Plans.

The plans are expected to be completed by October 2026 and will guide cultural investment and collaboration across Mid and West Wales over the next five years.

Alongside the Newtown event, Powys residents will also be able to attend sessions at Y Gaer in Brecon on 24 June.

People who cannot attend in person can also take part through an online survey. The consultation closes on 30 June 2026.

The questionnaire is available at: https://forms.gle/7UDWcmy8Hr6WWCdD6