A new platform designed to showcase Swindon’s arts and cultural life has been launched with the aim of making it easier for residents and visitors to discover what’s happening across the borough.
The initiative, called Do Swindon, has been developed by members of the Swindon Culture Collective, a network of grassroots creatives and cultural organisations working together to promote the town’s creative sector.
Featuring a new website and visual identity, the platform aims to bring together information on events, exhibitions, workshops, festivals and performances taking place across Swindon, helping tackle the long-standing perception that there is little to do in the town.
The branding and website were created by Swindon-based Gel Studios, which donated its services as part of the project.
The initiative forms part of Swindon’s Cultural Place Partnership programme, supported through public funding from Arts Council England via the National Lottery.
Rod Hebden, of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said the project had been developed in response to a common criticism of the town.
“All too often we hear people complain that ‘there’s nothing to do in Swindon’,” he said.
“Meanwhile we know that our town has a varied and thriving arts and cultural scene, but with the sector comprising individuals and organisations of many sizes, it can be a challenge to publicise events and activity effectively.
“That’s why this work was included in the Place Partnership bid which Swindon made to the Arts Council, and it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition so brilliantly.”
The website launches with dozens of events already listed and organisers hope it will become a central hub for discovering cultural activities throughout the borough.
Graeme Leighfield, of Gel Studios, said the company was keen to support a project that would benefit the wider creative community.
“When we heard that the plans were to include a platform like this, we were keen to offer our support immediately,” he said.
“We’re passionate about supporting Swindon, and have worked with many of the festivals and cultural organisations.
“However, this gave us the opportunity to create something which could support the whole sector and everyone who spends time in Swindon.”
He added that while the site launches with a strong programme of activities already featured, there are plans to continue developing the platform and encourage more organisations to upload events from across the borough.
The launch marks another step in efforts to strengthen Swindon’s cultural profile and provide a single destination where residents can discover everything from exhibitions and theatre performances to community workshops and festivals.
Supporters hope the platform will not only increase attendance at local events but also help celebrate the depth and variety of creative activity taking place across Swindon throughout the year.
