A three-year transformational programme for arts, culture and creativity in Ashfield will include weekly events and performances, an annual community arts festival, and large-scale shows and festivals.

Ashfield Arts Partnership has launched Ashfield Creates to inspire and sustain the cultural and creative fabric of the district.

The programme is supported by Arts Council England, which has awarded £1m through its Place Partnership programme, using money from the National Lottery. It will work to increase arts engagement and cultivate an environment where Ashfield can realise its creative potential.
Ashfield Creates will develop activities, events, and experiences through creative hubs in Hucknall, Kirkby, and Sutton, with a fourth hub travelling around Ashfield’s villages.

Edward Boott, artistic director and chief executive of Nonsuch Studios, which coordinated the bid efforts and is a member of the partnership, said: “This is an incredible achievement by the people and communities of Ashfield.

“With over 200 community members and 25 local organisations coming together to help shape what Ashfield Creates will be, we created a truly transformational, community-led proposal to Arts Council England, which the whole of Ashfield Arts Partnership can’t wait to put into action over the next three years. We can’t wait to see what we can create together.”

The initiative will be led by residents, working with local engagement producers to plan regular participatory activities across dance, art, music and craft. The programme will include weekly events and performances, and a yearly community arts festival, as well as large-scale events, working with national and international artists.

The initial three-years of the programme are part of a larger 10-year arts, cultural and creative strategy, commissioned by Ashfield District Council and the arts partnership. The aim is to galvanise creative practitioners and community organisations to become a strong and sustainable arts and culture sector that will thrive for many years to come.

Over the summer the partnership will be talking to people at local events to find out what they want to see and do, and to help shape the programme of events and activities that are due to start in the autumn.

Playwright and screenwriter James Graham said: “As an Ashfield born-and-bred writer I can’t begin to express my delight that the area is to receive this cultural boost.

“We all know it is not a level playing field when it comes to accessing the arts, but I know from experience the talent in these towns and villages that is waiting to be supported, and the appetite that potential audiences have for engaging as a community with work that can bring people together.”

Coun Jason Zadrozny, council leader, added: “It’s fantastic that the Arts Council is entrusting us with such a large grant to achieve truly transformational change. It will set us on our way to everyone being able to experience arts on their doorstep.”

Peter Knott, Midlands area director at Arts Council England said: “We know the positive impact that cultural investment has on places, such as regeneration, growth, employment, and happiness, so we’re delighted that local people will have more opportunities to experience, connect, and take part in creative and cultural activities where they live.”