Up to £1m to be given to partnership including New Forest District Council to boost local art and culture
UP TO £1m is to be given to the New Forest in a bid to boost local artists and strengthen the district's cultural offering.
The Arts Council England Creative, People and Places fund has awarded a partnership that includes New Forest District Council and the national park authority between £750,000 and £1m over the next three years.
The project will be led by Energise Me – a charity which aims to change lives through activity and sport.
It also involves other partners including Waterside youth organisation the Handy Trust, and arts and cultural group Folio.
Announcing the grant, NFDC leader Cllr Edward Heron said he was "delighted" and that the money would pay for a Culture in Common initiative.
"This will help to develop a thriving community-driven arts scene that connects and celebrates the disparate communities in the New Forest district," Cllr Heron said.
"The programme will learn from, inspire and enable communities to enjoy, commission and create their own artistic opportunities.
"The Culture in Common vision is to spark culture engagement throughout the district through a sustainable and inclusive cultural offer led by the people who live there."
It was also agreed, Cllr Heron said, to pay for an officer on a fixed-term contract during 2022/23 who would "identify opportunities" to build on the cultural projects started.
The grant is part of a £38m fund Arts Council England is giving to schemes across the UK.
"Culture in Common aims to develop a thriving community-driven arts scene that connects and celebrates the disparate communities of the New Forest district," it said.
"The programme will learn from, inspire and enable communities to enjoy, commission and create their own artistic opportunities.
"Culture in Common’s vision is to spark cultural engagement across the district through a sustainable and inclusive cultural offer led by the people who live there.
"Communities that were previously least engaged with culture will become powerful advocates and support others to enrich their lives through creativity and culture."