RISE has been appointed to help Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington Councils develop a stronger cultural offer to take advantage of devolution opportunities. As one of six areas to be given fast tracked devolution by the government, there are outline plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority and hold mayoral elections in May 2027.

After spending several months engaging with arts and culture organisations across Cheshire and Warrington, along with other key stakeholders such as politicians and community and voluntary sector leaders, we have combined economic analysis to consider the opportunities to grow creative industries across the county. Our report also includes recommendations on how to establish structures within the Combined Authority and where to assign appropriate resources to support the culture sector.

Commenting on the conclusion of our research and analysis, RISE director John Blundell said that this was a great opportunity to put culture centre stage.

“Culture and the creative industries are a key pillar of the national growth mission,” he explained, “and many combined authorities are now looking at arts and culture not just as a means to support local economies but also to enrich communities. It presents huge opportunities to do things differently and create a clear sense of place and identity in the process.”

Published: 17-08-2025