The arts and heritage sector across North Lincolnshire is to get a massive £1.1m funding boost – creating new jobs and developing talent.
The substantial investment will be used to bring blockbuster exhibitions to the area for the whole family, take culture into communities and inspire more people to get involved with the arts.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, has welcomed the increase in funding from Arts Council England. He said: “This is fantastic news for North Lincolnshire and the latest example of levelling-up happening here – developing skills and bringing new jobs in the creative industries.
“Hosting more world class exhibitions will be a massive boost to the local economy and enable us to showcase North Lincolnshire as a visitor destination.
“The cash will be used to help our fantastic cultural offer reach even more residents. I know local people will be incredibly excited about this announcement and the prospect of being able to discover many more hands on, family-friendly activities.”
The cash boost will build on the success of national-award-winning projects like ‘Of Earth and Sky’, which saw local people’s poems feature in a stunning art trail across the town.
It is part of Arts Council England’s £383m investment package for the North to deliver high quality creative and cultural experiences for more people in more places.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, urban, said: “This substantial increase to funding will help work with community groups and to nurture the wealth of creative talent we have in North Lincolnshire.
“We already have a strong track record in providing the platform for residents to express their creativity, but this will enable us to go even further. We will work with schools and colleges to enhance opportunities at all levels of education too.”
Arts Council England received a record-breaking 1,730 applications for its 2023-2026 investment programme. In support of the government’s priorities for levelling up, the organisation pledged to deliver high quality creative and cultural experiences for people across the whole country by reducing the emphasis on London and investing in organisations that open up access to underserved communities.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, rural, said: “North Lincolnshire’s hands-on activities and exhibitions are hugely popular with families and deservedly so.
“This additional cash will allow us to expand the activities on offer and ensure more people can enjoy these fantastic facilities.”
