Meet James Trowsdale, the new lead making sure that culture is high on Grimsby’s agenda. He has taken on the role of strategic lead for culture at North East Lincolnshire Council, making sure the multi-million pound Cultural Development Programme is delivered with local people.
With more than 10 years’ experience in the sector, James was previously central to the team that delivered Hull City of Culture, leading relationships with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as being responsible for securing and managing funds to drive the programme forward.
Prior to that, James worked across the Humber region with the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, responsible for delivering major programmes in various areas, including many in North East Lincolnshire.
Currently familiarising himself with stakeholders in the borough, James will be taking up the post from January 2020.
Outside of work, James is keen continue enjoying his local ties – he’s a keen runner as well as being a long-time Grimsby Town fan.
“There’s so much great work happening in North East Lincolnshire at the moment, and the delivery of the Cultural Development Funds in the town will be a major strand that helps bring partners across the borough together,” said James.
Following a competitive bidding process, Grimsby is one of five locations in the UK to receive the funding for cultural related activities, following a bid for the money by North East Lincolnshire Council.
The funding is set to go towards building a programme of new international events to be hosted in our area, attracting new visitors and investment.
The money, which will be matched by further public and private sector funding from the Humber LEP and other partners, will also go towards creating new public art and cultural spaces to help regenerate historic parts of the town.
Support will be on offer to local businesses in the cultural sector and for individuals with a business idea wanting to start their own venture, ensuring that no creative industry initiative is left out.
James continued: “Creativity, arts and heritage make places unique. The three strands of the programme in Grimsby will help us attract more people to our area, increase audience and community involvement in cultural activities, creating new major international events, new art and more creative spaces for people to enjoy and work in.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to this area – it’s one that I love and can’t wait to get back here. As part of the regeneration programme in the area, the complementary cultural funding will help generate new jobs, creative opportunities, new businesses and increasing town centre footfall.”
Supporting the appointment, Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for culture at the council, said: “James will be a great addition to the programme, particularly with his work across the Humber. He obviously has some great contacts already, and will help get the programme off to a flying start in 2020. I’m looking forward to working with him to help develop the cultural sector in our patch even further.”