ART leaders have welcomed news that the Reimagine Redditch Partnership has received £852,000 from the Arts Council England as part of its £38.3m investment in Creative People and Places over the next three years.
The chief executive of BARN – Bromsgrove and Redditch Network – Gary Roskell said: This funding will give local communities in Redditch new opportunities to engage in a whole host of creative activities, which they will help to design and deliver.
“The programme, with its initial funding and the support of local partners, will provide the foundations for a long-term approach which ensures that creativity is embedded in the life of the town, reflecting the town’s industrial heritage.”
Philip Roberts of Arts in Redditch, one of five organisations in the town that led the bid said the news was a massive boost for the borough.
“It represents a great opportunity to unlock the creative potential of everyone in the town.
“We know there is quite a community of people engaged in the arts but there are also a lot of people with the potential to get involved.”
He added: “This is not top down funding it is very much bottom up, to engage with the community and get their ideas for the creative things that would interest them – it’s got to reflect the character of the town.”
Reimagine Redditch is a three-year participation campaign running to 2025.
Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England said: “Arts, culture and creativity make the places we live vibrant, exciting and inspiring, benefiting our wellbeing and helping to boost local economies.
“We are pleased to welcome the Reimagine Redditch Consortium to our Creative People and Places programme. This National Lottery investment will support the team to achieve their vision for arts and culture in Worcestershire and ensure more people in Redditch can experience, connect with and take part in creativity in their communities.”
