- Written by Be Swallow
- BBC News, Gloucestershire
image source, Getty Images
Gloucester Cultural Trust CEO called the opportunity a “game changer” for the city.
A city has been awarded £1.5 million to fund a “transformative” three-year arts and culture programme.
Gloucester Cultural Trust received £500,000 from Arts Council England, £450,000 from Gloucester City Council and £550,000 from other partners for the ‘Together Gloucester’ project.
A “national committee” will be set up to decide how the funds will be spent.
Gloucester’s ‘unique identity’ is explored in programs that run throughout the year.
Phil Hindson, chief executive of the charity Gloucester Cultural Trust, said the Together Gloucester project has been “two years in the making”.
“What’s really exciting is we don’t know what it’s going to be like,” he said.
“We want this program to reflect the huge diversity of the city and give people a look at their experiences, their lives and what interests them.
“We at the Cultural Trust know that it is the people of Gloucester that make this place truly unique and special, which is why we intend to put the community at the heart of our cultural decisions.” he added.
image source, earth and sky
In 2020, the Trust commissioned a large-scale poetry installation ‘Of Earth and Sky’ by artist Luke Jerram.
The full public program includes new funding opportunities, workforce development programs, community-led events and skills training to create career opportunities and improve the local economy.
“A thriving city”
“Gloucester is a priority location for us,” added South West Arts Council director Phil Gibby.
“Historically there have been fewer people involved in arts and culture in this place and Arts Council England has not invested as much money as we would have hoped over the years.
“It is an aspiration we all share to make Gloucester a thriving city where culture plays an important role in how we work, live and play.”
Together Gloucester’s first funding opportunities will be announced in the coming months.