Candidates for the first ever mayor of the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority have been urged to embrace arts, culture and heritage in their plans for the region following the devolution deal.
An Arts, Culture and Heritage devolution manifesto published by HEY Creative, a multi-sector partnership supporting cultural growth in the area, challenges the candidates to a series of commitments to embed arts and culture in the strategic themes of the devolution deal. The aim of the manifesto is to demonstrate how the arts can be leveraged to promote connectivity, productivity, inclusivity, and a sustainable future.
Max May, chief officer of HEY Creative, said: “In the first Hull and East Yorkshire mayor we need a true advocate who will embed arts, culture and heritage into their plans and understands fully that a thriving cultural sector is key to a successful and prosperous region.”
Arts sector major economic contributor
Cultural leaders including Liz Dees and Rupert Creed of We Are Creative, Marianne Lewsley-Stier of Absolutely Cultured, and Phil Hargreaves of Freedom Festival came together on World Theatre Day, 27 March, to promote the manifesto’s message that local heritage and culture must be central to the plans of the new combined authority.
There are more than 250 arts and culture venues across the region, which contribute over £35mn annually to the East Yorkshire economy. In 2024 HEY Creative introduced The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter, the first of its kind in the UK, which asked signatory businesses to display local artwork and share details of art events on their social media.
Devolution sets the stage for opportunity
The devolved Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority came into existence on 5 February 2025 after a period of statutory consultation and the submission of a formal proposal.
Dominic Gibbons, chair of HEY Creative, said: “Devolution is a huge opportunity for Hull and East Yorkshire and arts, culture and heritage are uniquely placed to support the mayor and the new combined authority. The incoming mayor can embrace and extend the impact that these sectors have in communities across the region, to make Hull and East Yorkshire a better place for all.”
While Hull City Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council will continue to operate independently, the new combined authority will take on specific powers involving transport, adult education, housing, and economic growth alongside a £400mn long-term investment fund. The election for mayor of the new combined authority will be held on 1 May 2025 with subsequent elections every four years.
“After years of being left out in the cold on devolution, the people of Hull and East Riding can now get the fair deal they deserve. This is a big step forward in unlocking huge investment into the city, achieved by the two local councils working together.”
One of the commitments in the manifesto is participation in an arts, culture and heritage mayoral hustings, which has been agreed to by all candidates. The event is to be hosted by HEY Creative and the Advisory Board of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire at East Riding Theatre in Beverley on 9 April 2025.
