£1m Investment Boost for Youth Arts and Culture in Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is set to receive a significant investment of almost £1 million dedicated to arts and culture initiatives for its young people in the city.
Led by Newhampton Arts Centre, a coalition of local organisations has successfully secured funding from Arts Council England. This allocation is destined for a series of events over the upcoming three years.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture,’ encompasses plans for festivals, art trails, and career pathways, collaboratively designed with the city’s youngsters.
This proposal was a joint effort from several entities, including Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Music Service, LearnPlay Foundation, Gazebo TIE, and City of Wolverhampton Council.
They obtained a notable £846,940 from the Arts Council England Place Partnership Fund. Additional contributions from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund elevated the total to an impressive £996,000.
Outlined plans feature the annual ‘Same Difference’ youth festival, the ‘Big Sing’ music endeavour for Year 3 and Year 7 students, a visual arts trail crafted alongside young individuals and local artists, and avenues to creative professions, targeting those aged 18–25.
Approximately 1,500 youngsters will have a hand in shaping and rolling out these activities, aiming to engage over 23,000 children in the next three years.
Trevelyan Wright, Chief Executive of Newhampton Arts Centre, commented, “This is great news for young people in the city. Our proposal contained a very exciting programme of events and training programmes that will create a host of new opportunities for young people to get involved in cultural activities, pursue their passions, and develop new skills.”
“Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Music Service, Gazebo TIE and LearnPlay Foundation together represent many art-forms, from music and theatre to digital and gaming. It’s very exciting to be able to work together on such an ambitious project and make a real difference to the lives of young people in Wolverhampton.”
“We’re delighted that Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture has been awarded funding by Arts Council England and we all look forward to starting the work.”
This is great news for young people in the city. Our proposal contained a very exciting programme of events and training programmes that will create a host of new opportunities for young people to get involved in cultural activities, pursue their passions, and develop new skills.Trevelyan Wight, CEO, Newhampton Arts Centre
We’re delighted to be investing more that £846,000, through the National Lottery Place Partnership Fund, to benefit children and young people throughout Wolverhampton over the next three years. “Wolverhampton: City of Youth Culture promises to provide a range of arts and cultural activities, designed by young people for young people. This will give them the opportunity to develop new skills, take part in creative experiences locally and in turn open up careers in the arts and creative industries; meaning the benefits will continue long beyond the life of the projectPeter Knott, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England
This funding is brilliant news for children and young people in Wolverhampton. “We have a fantastic arts and culture offer in the city but, along with our partners, want to broaden it to reach and engage with younger people. The Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture bid will allow us to do this, and help us deliver on our promise of given children and young people the best start in lifeCouncillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for Children, Young People and Education
You may also be interested in
Music Venue Trust and Coca-Cola announce Wolverhampton gig to launch partnership
PostedMusic Venue Trust and Coca-Cola announce partnership Indie singer-songwriter Casey Lowry will headline a number of gigs nationwide…
Community Art Garden: lend us your green fingers!
PostedCommunity Art Garden: lend us your green fingers! Welcome to a unique opportunity at the Newhampton Arts Centre….
HAF Summer Activities: Under the Sea Week
Spark Creativity, Inspire Imagination: A Summer of Artistic Adventure at Newhampton Arts Centre. Get ready for an exciting…
Thumbelina
, from £1Brought to life through live music, dance and song, Thumbelina is helped by the audience to escape from a hungry toad, build a shelter from sticks and through their play, give her the strength to carry on and make it safely home.