CALDERDALE'S YEAR OF
CULTURE 2024
LOOKING BACK
With spectacular events and innumerable opportunities created, CYOC24 inspired, entertained, and showcased Calderdale by bringing people together to celebrate art, heritage, sports, and culture in all its forms. Read on to hear about our story.
The Year of Culture may be over, but CultureDale continues! Keep an eye on the 'What's On' section for regularly updated activities happening throughout the borough.
WHAT IS
CULTUREDALE?
Welcome to CultureDale, where culture comes alive!
CultureDale is a Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council led project. It is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and passion that resides within Calderdale's people.
Our mission is to create and promote a wide array of cultural events, exhibitions, performances, and initiatives that reflect the remarkable stories, talents, and traditions of Calderdale. As you navigate through our website, you will discover a vibrant calendar of events, informative resources, and engaging stories that shine a spotlight on Calderdale's cultural offer.
In 2024 we celebrated Calderdale’s 50th anniversary with a Year of Culture, partnering with our borough’s incredible creatives, initiatives, and residents to weave culture and creativity into the fabric of everyone's lives.
CYOC24 included performances, festivals, workshops, creative and sports activities, and exhibitions, bringing together inclusive, immersive, and sustainable cultural experiences while showcasing Calderdale's extraordinary heritage, traditions, and creativity by inviting everyone to take part.
You can view some of the main Year of Culture events retrospectively via our Blog and Gallery pages. Or check our events page for upcoming events.
OUR STORY
Calderdale boasts a diverse and dynamic cultural landscape. Known for our historic architecture, industrial heritage, and thriving arts scene, we are committed to culture and our cultural organisations.
CYOC24 was envisioned and guided by Where Creativity Flows, Calderdale’s Cultural Strategy, which was created in partnership with our cultural sector. We are committed to the guiding principles of:
A Larger Creative Life: We believe that culture and creativity should be woven into the fabric of every person's life, regardless of age, to inspire happier, healthier lives.
Creative Citizens: We want to empower communities to grow and sustain their own cultural capacity, bringing to life the unique identity of each place.
A Resilient Valley: Our cultural sector inspires creative and regenerative actions to rebuild a sustainable future.
Distinctly Calderdale: We aim to attract businesses and visitors through our vibrant cultural offerings, strong sense of identity, and creative possibilities.
A Thriving Cultural Scene: We invest in our cultural sector, its people, and organisations to ensure it flourishes and plays a unique, dynamic, and effective role in wider society.
Calderdale turning 50 adds an extra layer of significance to CYOC24. We will celebrate the last 50 years by showcasing the talent of our borough, sharing the stories of our land, water, history, and people, and creating opportunities for everyone to join in.
We are still using these guiding principles to support cultural activity across Calderdale through providing further opportunities and supporting projects as CultureDale.
Some of our partnerships developed throughout the Year of Culture also remain active, make sure to view our 'Get Connected' drop-down menu at the top of the site to learn more about our ongoing partnerships and opportunities.
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