WARRINGTON could mirror the 'transformational' approach to arts and culture which was launched by Manchester and Liverpool more than a decade ago.

Leading figures from the world of arts and culture have come together to begin mapping out the town's cultural future.

Warrington's Cultural Commission has met for the first time to begin 'laying the foundations of the future direction of culture in the borough'.

Set up to build on the work already carried out as part of last year's failed City of Culture bid and the feedback received, the commission is made up of individuals from arts, culture, business and the third sector.

They will lead an open debate, focusing on cultural provision in the area, as well as future opportunities, to build on and strengthen the current offer.

Commission chairman Adrian Friedli said: "Having contributed to Warrington's initial bid for UK City of Culture, I was delighted to be invited to chair the commission to help build on the creative ideas and partnerships that were generated by that process – and to set out an ambitious vision for Warrington as a place committed to culture being at the heart of shaping its future.

"Our initial meeting made clear that commission members bring a wealth of expertise and passion to enable Warrington to harness its creative talent and potential, in order to develop an inspiring and diverse programme that engages with all parts of the borough and attracts audiences to Warrington as a distinctive and innovative cultural destination."

Cllr Dan Price, executive board member for culture and partnerships, believes the bid for City of Culture 'was just the beginning'.

He said: "It laid the foundations for something very special to happen here in Warrington, changing our way of thinking about culture and the arts and giving us a new energy and focus.

"We are already seeing real results from our bid, such as bringing the Neighbourhood Weekender to Victoria Park – our biggest festival for more than 20 years."

On Tuesday night, Cllr Price (LAB – Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall) delivered a public talk at Friars Green Independent Methodist Church about the outcome of the bid for 2021, which was won by Coventry.

During the event, organised by Warrington Civic Society, he confirmed the bidding process for the City of Culture 2025 title will be open in 2021.

In addition, Cllr Price highlighted the importance of having a theatre in the borough and 'embedding' culture into the regeneration plans, as well as the need to take an 'invest to earn' approach to arts and culture.

He said: "Manchester and Liverpool took this approach 10 plus years ago and those cities have become transformed by the adoption of arts and culture."

Phil Redmond, chairman of the UK City of Culture panel, will be joining a representative from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on a future visit to the town.

Cllr Price has welcomed DCMS’ feedback in relation to Warrington's bid – and confirmed that a key 'vision' is to attract a national arts institution to base its northern exhibition space in Warrington.

He added: "The first thing they said to us is that Warrington has a stark comparison with Hull.

"They said straight away we must be considering to bid for 2025.

"That decision has not been made but if I am still in the post I will always advocate this is the way the council should go."

The bid stage cost around £80,000, with the council funding it by using a one-off allocation from reserves, as well as support from partners.

For more information on the Cultural Commission visit warrington.gov.uk and type ‘Cultural Commission’ into the search box.