Creativity in Crewe set for significant investment

Arts Council England has awarded Cheshire East Council a £200,000 grant through its National Lottery Place Partnership Fund to create lasting change in Crewe.

Combined with significant funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council, the total funding of £325,000 will enable the creation of a vibrant three-year programme focused on developing a step-change for Crewe’s creative arts sector.

The funding will enable an ambitious cultural programme to be developed for all ages and backgrounds that will help unite the community, develop skills, support the local economy and bring exhibitions and workshops into non-conventional spaces. New and existing creative activities will be provided and nurtured, recognising and developing the skills involved in everyday making, including crafts such as woodwork and cookery, along with more traditional pursuits like cross stitch.

A hub will be established in the centre of the town to provide a much-needed workshop and exhibition space to encourage creative communities to share their knowledge and collaborate to present inspiring installations and artworks, with some available for the public to buy.  

The grant will also enable engagement with children and young people, the wider communities of Crewe, and talent development for artists. It intends to provide access to creativity for people at all stages of their interest or career in the creative arts sector.

The programme will break down barriers to the arts, engender a sense of pride of place, address wellbeing and social priorities in a deep and lasting way and help build Crewe’s cultural landscape through to 2027.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its economy and growth committee, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this strategic project grant from Arts Council England. The Cultural Strategy for Crewe and the ongoing partnership working has continued to grow and evolve each year. This investment will ensure we can create positive long-term change for Crewe’s cultural sector.”

Jen Cleary, Director North West from Arts Council England, said:

“Our Place Partnership fund is designed to help places make a step-change in the cultural and creative lives of the community and I’m delighted that Cheshire East has been awarded funding. 

“We believe that everyone should have access to fantastic creative experiences, wherever they live and whatever their background, so it’s great to see so many partners working collaboratively to strengthen the cultural infrastructure and establish a central hub in Crewe. 

“I’m sure that people across the whole community will benefit from the creative opportunities the hub will offer and I look forward to seeing how the project develops.”

The activity kicks off with Crewe/Makes from October to February, a series of events and projects aimed at highlighting and growing the creative talents of the different generations and communities in Crewe.This has been developed by Crewe Creates – an organisation led by co-directors Jamie Chalmers and Novae Baghurst – which supports artistic talent. Building on the success of the town’s creative networks, Crewe Creates will establish a platform for making and presenting new work and will also develop skills through training, education and opportunities for collaboration.

Jamie said:

“This funding is excellent news for Crewe. It will help us ignite Crewe's artistic spirit and start writing a new chapter in the cultural story of this diverse and creatively enriched town that we love.”

A spokesperson from Crewe Town Council, said:

“Arts and culture brings communities together, has a wide range of positive economic, health and wellbeing impacts and boosts community pride. 

“Cultural development has the potential to boost Crewe’s economic growth by bringing people into the town centre and establishing creative job opportunities. We are committed to supporting the development of arts and culture in our community and look forward to working in partnership on this project.”