Swindon Cultural Partnership

	what do we mean by culture?
	Rather than ‘define’ what culture is, we follow the idea proposed by DCMS (Dept. of Culture, Media and Sport) that culture should be thought of in terms of what it means (value dimension) and in terms of the sort of things it can encompass (material dimension). This approach, although quite broad, would seem an appropriate foundation for Swindon Cultural Partnership’s own view of what culture is.
	The value dimension:	– relationships between individuals and groups – shared memories, experience and identity – diverse cultural, faith and historic backgrounds – social standards, values and norms – what we consider valuable to pass on to future generations
	The material dimension:	– the performing and visual arts, craft and fashion – media, film, television, video and language – museums, artefacts, archives and design – libraries, literature, writing and publishing – the built heritage, architecture, landscape and archaeology – cathedrals, churches and places of worship – sports events, facilities and development – parks, open spaces, wildlife habitats, water environment and countryside recreation – children's play, playgrounds and play activities – tourism, festivals and attractions – informal leisure pursuits