BOURNEMOUTH, Christchurch and Poole could become known as “England’s creative coastline”, the boss of the Arts Council has said.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, was speaking at the launch of the Cultural Enquiry which aims to develop a long-term vision for the arts in the area.

The project will look at the role culture plays in people’s lives and how it can be expanded in the “city region” that will be covered by a merged council from April.

Figures from the area’s two universities, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Poole’s Lighthouse and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership were among those at the launch event at Arts University Bournemouth.

Mr Henley said of the enquiry’s aims: “It’s to create the infrastructure and the environment where people can be creative, where in 10-20 years’ time people will talk about this part of the world as England’s creative coastline.”

Mr Henley drew attention to the area’s cultural organisations and “two nationally and internationally significant universities”.

“There are places of scale around this country that would kill to have two universities like that,” he said.

He praised the leadership behind the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council. “Local authorities have had to make some very tough decisions over the last few years and I really salute those officials and elected leaders of local authorities,” he said.

“It was great to hear from the very top that this is one of the first things they’re talking about. They’re talking about culture,” he added.

“We know people live happier, productive and more fulfilled lives if they have arts and culture in it.”

The tender to carry out the Cultural Enquiry was won by the Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy.

Mr Fleming said: “For the UK’s newest city region this is a unique opportunity to ensure that culture is positioned at the heart of the area’s future success, contributing to improving the quality of life and quality of place.

“Our engagement process will range from individual interviews to large, open public events. Culture is for everyone and we will ensure that our work captures as broad a spectrum of voices as possible.”