Our Manifesto

When art, design, science and technology work in harmony, economic development follows.

Art and other creative enterprises have a tremendous impact on economies. When creativity interacts with commerce the level of prosperity and wellbeing of everyone improves. This has been proven in countries all over the world throughout the centuries.

The mission of Neotists CIC is to act as a catalyst to bring this dynamic force to life, to grow it, develop it, and sustain it, for the benefit of our community.
The creative industries are one of the major UK economic success stories in recent years. They have grown at twice the rate of the wider economy since 2010 – generating approximately £115.9 billion for the economy and providing more than two million jobs.

Understanding the importance and value of art and creativity is at the heart of everything Neotists CIC does in shaping the economic development, social life, and even the politics of our area.

In 1991, while the members of the City Council of Bilbao were discussing whether they should build a big bridge, or erect a magnificent building, or make large-scale investments to improve the airport, one of the city council members suggested they should build a new museum.

After some arguments, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened in 1997 and changed the whole city.

With its tiny population of 350,000 people, Bilbao is visited by millions every year and the people of the Basque Country have become wealthy and prosperous, enjoying high-quality education and freedom, through art. Even this small example tells us how art can change a whole city and its political and social fate.

We have a similar vision for St Neots.

The bottom line is that, in order to achieve economic prosperity, art must be at the centre of our activities. By supporting our members to deliver a wide range of cultural events and learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, our community will thrive.

We believe that when people feel respected and included they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. Uniqueness is powerful.

We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives innovation, so we’re building a culture where difference is valued and where inclusiveness is a reflex, not an initiative. We’re finding intentional ways to grow in our understanding and support of others.

We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, invincible, and equipped to thrive.

Embedding environmental, social, and good governance practices into everything we do determines who we work with. These values are essential to the economic and environmental sustainability that protects us against the rising number of major threats to social stability, vibrancy, and inclusiveness that make a healthy and prosperous community possible.

Our commitment to transparency and accountability is evident in everything we do, in how we assess the impact of our activities and how we share this with our stakeholders.

Join us in creating a culture of creativity for the benefit of all – our members, our local community and our funders, sponsors and donors.

Signed
Clair Slade
Ann Hawkins
Richard Slade