BUSINESS NEWS
Swindon’ s creative scene gets £ 600K boost to put arts centre stage
Swindon is stepping into the spotlight with a major investment in arts and culture. A new £ 1.3 million programme has launched to transform the town into a festival hub, unlock new creative spaces, and support local talent.
The initiative is backed by £ 600,000 from Arts Council England’ s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund. It’ s a big win for Swindon’ s creative community, with the funding set to drive participation, inclusion, and visibility across the town.
Leading the charge is Swindon Culture Collective CIC, a newly formed not-for-profit created to deliver the programme and support the network of artists and organisations previously known as the Magic Swindon Network.
Swindon Borough Council is also stepping up its commitment to the arts, appointing Kate Wyatt as its first Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events. Kate will help steer the council’ s strategic input and support for the programme.
The two-year initiative was shaped by over 100 local artists and organisations, including the council, and aims to celebrate Swindon’ s creative energy while opening up new opportunities for residents to get involved.
In addition to the Arts Council’ s investment, the programme has secured £ 770,000 in cash and in-kind support from partners including New Elements, Prime Theatre, Swindon Music Centre, South Swindon Parish Council, Gel Studios, Network Rail, and £ 312,000 from Swindon Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said,“ This bid was the result of huge collaboration across Swindon’ s arts scene. We’ ve identified the challenges, built on our strengths, and shown what’ s possible when we work together. Huge thanks to the Arts Council and everyone who’ s helped get us to this point.”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’ s Area Director for the South West, added,“ We’ re proud to award £ 600,000 to Swindon Culture Collective. This marks a pivotal moment in the town’ s cultural journey. It’ s great to see the council appoint a Head of Culture to help galvanise the sector. Public funding like this helps transform spaces, support wellbeing, and unlock talent.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning at Swindon Borough Council, said,“ This is a brilliant day for Swindon. We have a thriving arts community and this programme will help bring it to new audiences. Arts and culture are vital to regeneration and growth, and we’ re proud to support this work.”
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