Within the States Strategic Plan, the headline statement that directs the work of the Culture and Leisure Department is to improve the quality of life of Islanders, secure our economic future and protect the Island's environment, unique cultural identity and rich heritage.
Culture has many uses - not only does it define who we are and what we do, but it is also very enjoyable. Many people take part in cultural activities simply to relax, enjoy themselves, learn new things or just to meet other people.
The most widely recognised definition in current usage defines culture as having "both a material and a value dimension and includes a wide range of activities including arts, media, sports, parks, museums, libraries, the built heritage, the countryside, playgrounds and tourism".
Museums
The Museums Service mandate covers the maintenance and care of over 80 historic sites ranging from the Island's showpiece sites of, the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Cornet and Fort Grey, to the small monuments and dolmens found dotted around the island. Responsibility also stretches to the care and interpretation of thousands of valuable museum objects, managing a programme of field archaeology and organising rescue archaeology.
The Information Centre
Located in the heart of St Peter Port, the Information Centre is the ideal place to find out the events and attractions that are happening on Guernsey. It is a "one stop shop" for locals and visitors alike and offers a range of Guernsey souvenirs and an accommodation finding service.
Channel Islands Lottery
The C.I. Lottery is a unique and important part of island life. It demonstrates to the wider world the Channel Islands independence and separate identity. For the lucky winners it provides a win that may not be life changing in the majority of cases, but is nonetheless very welcome. This is particularly true of the Christmas Draw with its first prize of over £700,000 in recent years.
The Channel Islands Lottery Plan, which you can find at the right hand side of this page, describes how Culture and Leisure, along with Jersey's Department, coordinate the draw.
Leisure Services
Leisure Services is committed to providing high-quality services and facilities for the sites under its control. Accessibility is a key issue to the Department, and we are keen that there should be a range of services on offer for everybody regardless of age, gender or ability. Sites managed by the Department are Beau Sejour Leisure Centre and Park, Footes Lane complex including the Garenne Stand, Delancey Park, Fort Le Mar-chant Rifle Range and La Valette Bathing Place
If you would like to learn more about Leisure Services, download the Leisure Services Strategy in pdf format from this page.
If you have any comments or questions about the work of Leisure Services, please contact Keith Gallienne, Director of Leisure Services, using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Guernsey Sports Commission
The Commission (GSC) was set up in 2004 with the aim of promoting participation in physical activity and sport across the Island. It works with a number of private, public and voluntary organisation and interested parties in the promotion of sport and recreation for all. The GSC establishes working relationships with sporting bodies, associations and sports clubs in order to help them better achieve their own objectives. The Commission also administers a number of funds which provide grants and awards for competitors, coaches and administrators. You can find a link to the GSC's website on this page.
Guernsey Arts Commission
The Guernsey Arts Commission, founded in 2008, aims to provide a strong identifiable voice for the arts in the island, raising public awarenessand promoting the value, relevance and importance of the arts. Taking on the role of administering the States of Guernsey arts funding, the Guernsey Arts Commission also delivers several events each year e.g. Arts Sunday, Art on the Beach, the Guernsey Literary Festival. It also runs its own gallery space, the greenhouse, which is situated in the Guernsey Information Centre and directs a vibrant community arts programme. It is a charitable body which embraces new directions whilst underpinning the amazing range and breadth of arts already happening in Guernsey. You can find a link to the GAC's website on this page.
Events Group
The Events Group provides financial assistance and advice to a diverse range of On-Island events- covering nautical, food, floral, walking and many others: all with an appeal to both visitors and locals.
If you would like to learn more about the mandate and objectives of the Events Group, and the action plans which will be carried out and measured, you can download the Events Group Strategy in pdf format from this page.
