Arts Boost for Nottinghamshire
A £1 million Arts Council grant will bring a three-year cultural program to the Ashfield district of Nottinghamshire.
The new initiative, called "Ashfield Creates", aims to revitalize the arts scene in the area's towns and villages. The program will host festivals and events, featuring both national and international artists. In addition to large-scale events, "Ashfield Creates" will offer a diverse range of activities for residents, including dance, music, and craft workshops.
The Arts Council has recognized the untapped creative potential within Ashfield, noting that investment in culture has historically been low. The council believes that "Ashfield Creates" will be a transformative force, encouraging greater participation in the arts and fostering a more vibrant cultural environment.
The first events and activities are expected to begin in the autumn. Over the summer, the Ashfield Arts Partnership (AAP), which is collaborating with Ashfield District Council to run the program, will consult with residents to gather input and shape the program's direction.
Three "hubs" have been chosen for the initiative: Hucknall, Kirkby, and Sutton. Surrounding villages will be designated as a fourth hub, ensuring that the program reaches across the entire district.
James Graham, a playwright and screenwriter known for the BBC crime drama "Sherwood," expressed his enthusiasm for the grant. "As an Ashfield-born writer, I'm absolutely thrilled that the area is getting this cultural boost," he said. "We all know that access to the arts is not equal, but I've seen firsthand the incredible talent that exists in these towns and villages. This grant will provide the support needed to nurture that talent and bring people together through the arts."
Ashfield District Council leader Jason Zadrozny shared Graham's excitement, stating, "It's fantastic that the Arts Council is entrusting us with such a significant grant to achieve real change."
"Ashfield Creates" promises to inject new life into the arts scene in Nottinghamshire, providing opportunities for residents to engage with art in new and exciting ways. The program is set to bring communities together, celebrate local talent, and foster a stronger sense of cultural identity within the district.
