Equality and diversity action plan

Milton Keynes is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, with over 40% of our school children speaking English as a second language. We know that this rich diversity is not reflected in our cultural offer or our audiences.

Following a robust and in-depth period of research, a report in 2019 (see below) identified gaps in provision and challenges to participation. These findings are now informing the delivery of evidence-based interventions to address these challenges.

• Rethinking Cultural Inclusion and Diversity - a call to action for Milton Keynes Sep 2020
• Rethinking Cultural Inclusion and Diversity - supporting documents and appendices Sep 2020

Cultural infrastructure plan

As the city grows, our cultural infrastructure will need to grow. In order to map out current provision and any gaps, the culture team has commissioned in 2021 an infrastructure plan, setting out a clear and comprehensive strategy for cultural infrastructure growth and investment over a 10-year period. 

Strategy documents

• Creative and Cultural Strategy 2018-2027
• HMTL version of the Creative and Cultural Strategy 2018-2027

Creative and Cultural Strategy 2027 – 2035

In 2027 Milton Keynes will celebrate its 60th birthday as a New City, and Milton Keynes City Council is embarking on the next iteration of the Creative and Cultural Strategy. 

The new Strategy will align with the MK New City Local Plan being drafted, and other important citywide strategies.  Working with the sector, our shared new Strategy will embed our priorities, needs and aspirations into this important framework and secure important resources for culture.

The process began with a workshop with the cultural sector on 23 October 2025 at Milton Keynes Gallery, and further engagement will follow with a range of partners, stakeholders, resulting in the draft strategy going for adoption in March 2026.

Read the workshop presentation.