New town centre creative hub awarded £200k grant

A new creative hub will be established in Crewe town centre, Cheshire East Council said

A town's new arts hub and cultural programme has been given a £200,000 funding boost.

Arts Council England has provided the grant towards the scheme in Crewe, Cheshire, in order to bring about a “step-change” for the local creative arts sector.

The money will be combined with £125,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash and council funding to create a programme for people of all ages and backgrounds, according to Cheshire East Council.

The local authority said a hub would be developed as part of the project, to provide workshop and exhibition space in the town centre.

It is hoped the three-year scheme will help people develop skills, support the economy and provide exhibitions and workshops in unconventional settings.

The council said it wanted to encourage creative groups to share their knowledge and collaborate on inspiring artworks, with some available for the public to buy.

The council also wants the scheme to engage with children and young people, and break down barriers to the arts.

“The cultural strategy for Crewe and the ongoing partnership working has continued to grow and evolve each year,” said the local authority’s deputy leader, Michael Gorman.

“This investment will ensure we can create positive long-term change for Crewe’s cultural sector.”

Jen Cleary from Arts Council England said: “We believe that everyone should have access to fantastic creative experiences, wherever they live and whatever their background.”

The programme will begin with a series of events and projects aimed at highlighting and growing the creative talents of the different generations and communities in Crewe.