IN spite of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the resilience and tenacity of Warrington’s cultural sector has been highlighted in a new report.
The first annual review of ‘A Great and Curious Future – Warrington’s vision for Cultural Growth 2020-25’ has been released, detailing the progress made by the cultural sector in Warrington over the last 12 months.
The five-year cultural framework for Warrington was published in February 2020, a document collectively produced by a group of public, private, voluntary and community sector partners, following the recommendations of Warrington’s Culture Commission in 2018.
It sets out the bold ambitions to embed arts and culture firmly within the borough’s regeneration framework and create a vibrant, diverse and inclusive cultural scene.
Since the publication of the framework, the cultural sector has taken a massive hit due to Covid-19, with performances cancelled, venues mothballed, exhibitions closed and much-loved festivals abandoned.
However, the report highlights the resilience shown by Warrington’s cultural community In spite of the devastating impact of the pandemic, with cultural organisations and creative individuals working with innovation and creativity to adapt to the constantly changing circumstances.
With venues closed, Warrington’s creative communities came together to find new ways of reaching audiences and keeping the people of the borough entertained, during an extremely difficult year.
Highlights of the past year include:
· Highly-acclaimed theatre company, Not Too Tame, produced ‘Local Legends’, a series of online monologues delivered by well-known actors from the region. Based on stories from people across the north-west and turned into scripts by acclaimed writers, the project raised vital support for Warrington charities helping people affected by Covid-19. The series will be aired again this month as part of Culture Warrington’s digital offer – Local Legends – A Digital Mini Series.
· Walton Hall was used to bring wartime stories to life as part of a series of emotional monologues, commissioned by the council through Heritage Lottery funding. The series was filmed by production company Ludovico to mark VE Day and captured the experiences of people during the Second World War, inspired by recollections held in Warrington Museum.
· Warrington’s renowned Contemporary Arts Festival celebrated 10 years with a revamped Open Competition with additional prize money, a panel of expert judges and applications from across the whole spectrum of contemporary arts, including dance, spoken word, installation art, film, visual arts and photography.
· Cultural organisations and creative individuals secured over £400,000 in emergency grant funding for the arts to provide them with a lifeline during the pandemic, to protect jobs and to allow them to develop new ways of working while venues were closed.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for culture, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, who is also Chair of Warrington’s Culture Board, said: “A Great and Curious Future sets out our ambitions to build a bright cultural future for Warrington, building on the massive potential of our arts, culture and heritage organisations and delivering an exciting, diverse and inclusive programme that we can all be proud of.
“Life has changed beyond recognition since this framework was published, but it’s heartening to see how cultural organisations have responded to the huge challenges, keeping people connected with culture at a time when it’s never been more important. It’s testament to the resilience of our cultural sector and further evidence of the hugely important role culture, music and the arts have to play in the health and happiness of our communities.
“Now, with the Government setting out the principles for easing lockdown in England, and a plan to reduce restrictions for the arts and culture, we can look ahead. All being well in the coming months, our cultural venues and outdoor events will once again be able to welcome audiences and our talented creative professionals will be able to put on live shows once more.
“Whatever happens, our creative organisations and individuals have shown their ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances, which can give us great confidence and optimism for our cultural future.”
The full Cultural Framework 2020-2025 can be read on the council website at warrington.gov.uk/cultural-framework
