Prosperity and Togetherness through the activities described in section 6 will be evidenced in the following outcomes. They are not objectives of the strategy but outcomes - things that would be more likely to happen as a result of undertaking the approach outlined here. Evaluation of the actions outlined will incorporate an exploration of the following outcomes. This is the change we want to see. When organisations in the borough seek funding and need to demonstrate that their project contributes to a bigger strategic goal these are the wider borough-outcomes they can reference. The following outcomes are linked to the Growth Strategy’s Outcomes in an associated action plan.

Outcome:1. Creative businesses cluster

The presence of new creative and cultural businesses in the borough, preferably co-located or near to one another. This will create jobs for local people and convey a new sense of pride and prosperity in the borough. The drivers of inward investment will differ across the borough: in Sidcup the nucleus of this will be Theatre In Erith Craft and Creative production In South Thamesmead Arts experiences and Leisure

Outcome 2. Stronger communities

Like family, faith and work, culture is another area of life that grounds people. The strategy will bring more residents into closer contact with cultural organisations, artists, places and creative businesses. For many residents this will make them tangibly and emotionally more connected to places and people where they live. They will feel a little more proud, protective and loyal to public spaces and places and a greater sense of wellbeing in Bexley’s communities.

Outcome 3. An effective culture network

The Bexley Culture Network has more members and is better coordinated and attended. Its members are collectively more financially secure and better able to raise money and demonstrate their value to a range of stakeholders, supporters and members. In addition to Arts Council England, significant grants have been secured from other funders to support groups of organisations from BCN. The organisations are collectively providing a greater number of concerts, performances, events and exhibitions for local residents.

Outcome 4. Celebrated town centres

The Culture Strategy is making a visible contribution to the different cultural character of Bexley’s town centres. Each Town Centre has found its own way of working with creative businesses and cultural organisations, which makes a visible difference to the distinctiveness and diversity of the Borough’s town centres. Bexley is seen as a place with good towns with different attractions and reasons to visit.

Outcome 5. Young people finding livelihoods in and from the creative Industries

The Culture strategy will support young people’s creative lives in and outside of school. These experiences will help them find work in London’s creative industries and in the businesses that service them. The strategy will help connect the borough’s young people to the most dynamic parts of London’s economy.