The City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has published the new Draft Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 for consultation with residents and stakeholders.

A series of town hall meetings are to be held as part of the process - the first of which takes place tomorrow (24 July). The draft document is also available to download.

The new city-wide strategy has been drawn up in a bid to develop a "more vital" sector and to chart the future cultural and economic growth of Chicago.

Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel said: "This plan will serve as a guiding force to ensure Chicago remains a destination for creativity, innovation and the arts."

Departmental commissioner Michelle Boone added: "Our goal is for the plan to serve as an important tool that can help us build a more vital arts and creative community for Chicago."

Click here for more details about the Draft Chicago Cultural Plan 2012.