People may already be aware that in early 2019 Swindon will be eligible to apply to Arts Council England under their Creative People and Places programme which seeks to increase arts and cultural engagement in parts of England which their survey data has shown to be the lowest areas of engagement. The programme provides funding of up to £1.8m for a 4 year project and must be lead by a consortia comprising community / grassroots and arts organisations.
Last week, 40 local people, including a wide range of arts and community groups and independent creatives, met at Central Library to begin to explore the possibility of developing a bid for Swindon. Organisers have reported that the meeting was very worthwhile and some great ideas and material were produced as a result of it. It was then decided that a steering group will form to shape the next stages of the process, which includes consultation with local people and developing a 10 year vision for arts and culture for our town.
The Arts Council have said that they are looking for just one consortia of groups to put in a bid from each eligible area and that it would not be seen favourably if more than one consortia from each area applied. With that in mind, Swindon needs to present a united front so it is hoped that all interested parties will come along or send a representative to this next meeting at which it is expected that a Steering Group will emerge to take this bid forward.
Timing is very tight, as the funding opens in January and closes in March 2019, and there is much to be done if we are to put in a bid for Swindon. For this reason, the first Steering Group meeting will take place on Monday 17th December from 6 – 8pm at Central Library. The meeting is open to all (groups / organisations or individuals) who would like to support the development of a bid, or just find out more.
If you are able to make the meeting, it would be helpful if you could let The Central Library know by this Friday 14th December, so that we have an idea of numbers. If you aren’t able to but would like to be kept informed of future meetings, also contact them to let them know so so that you can be added to the ‘interested’ list.
Email:lflower@swindon.gov.uk
