“Grimsby Creates” has been launched to provide an umbrella brand for the cultural activity in Grimsby over the next three years, being funded through the Cultural Development Fund money.
The programme, funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and administered by Arts Council England as part of the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), is providing a unique opportunity to transform Grimsby into a vibrant town centre where heritage and creativity are enjoyed.
In 2018, five areas were successful with their bids to the Cultural Development Fund. £20m was shared between Plymouth, Thames Estuary, Wakefield, Worcester and Grimsby.
With £5.3m to be spent over three years, the creative development programme will deliver events, help creative organisations grow and build new spaces for creative business and events.
Since the money was awarded in 2019, detailed plans for delivery have been drawn up and activity is already underway in many of the programme areas. The team has also been working closely with the creative sector from our area and beyond, to revise plans in light of COVID-19 to include a wider range of activities than was originally planned, and include more opportunities for local creative individuals and organisations to be involved and supported.
The four main strands of the programme are:
Activities and Events: Grimsby will see a creative programme of a series of activities and events throughout town centre spaces and within heritage buildings throughout Grimsby’s ‘Heritage Action Zone’. The aim of this programme will be to celebrate shared pride in local origin, heritage, food and future in new, exciting and innovative ways.
Inclusion of creative elements as part of town centre regeneration: the creative programme will make use of the St James Square space which is currently undergoing a £1.8m regeneration project and also the Garth Lane area once this is remodelled. As part of the St James’ Square project, a natural auditorium, with quality lighting, electricity supply and sound amplification is being created, and internationally renowned artists’ work is being incorporated into the physical features of the design.
Creative Workspace the programme will fund the regeneration of several heritage buildings in Grimsby’s unique dockside Kasbah area to create a workspace hub for local creative organisations. World-renowned architectural consultancy Donald Insall Associates have already been appointed to look at the architecture of the buildings on the port to assess their suitability for long-term future use by the creative industries sector.
Business development programme: a creative sector-specific business development programme will provide mentoring and advice to local creative industries as well as individuals and graduates. This will help untap the undoubted creative potential and hidden talent in the area.
Due to COVID-19, much of the planned activity has had to be put on hold this year, but the programme end date has been extended as a result to 2023.
Over the next few months, the Grimsby Creates team will be launching opportunities for artists and creative organisations to get involved in the programme. This will include:
- Support for creative organisations to develop fundraising applications
- A call out for local artists to develop ideas for the creative programme
- A business support programme will be launched to support creative organisations across North East Lincolnshire
- Mentoring and coaching programmes
- Workshops and networking opportunities
- Launching a new website and social media channels for Grimsby Creates
Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for culture, said: “COVID-19 has had a massive impact on the borough in terms of the cultural offering this year. With festivals and events cancelled, and restrictions on movement, I think we’re all feeling like we’re missing out.
“I’m really excited to see some of the plans for the coming years, and look forward to seeing them delivered, by local artists and organisations as much as we can, and seeing life brought back into our town centre. I really hope local people will take the time to take part, get involved and support this fantastic programme.”
Keep your eyes peeled for ways to get involved with this exciting programme and future opportunities in the near future.
For further details about the Grimsby Creates Programme please email grimsbycreates@nelincs.gov.uk.