As part of St Helens’ status as the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture (BoC) in 2023, residents with a passion for the arts are invited to have their say on how to make the most of the year – and shout about how great our borough is.
Launched in 2018, the BoC title is awarded by the Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority to one of its six local authorities on a rotating, annual basis, awarding a £200,000 funding package to support cultural events through the year, delivered as part of the city region’s pioneering 1% for culture programme.
Sessions, facilitated by St Helens Borough Council’s Library Service, will be held at the iconic Citadel Theatre building and World of Glass Museum this week where attendees can work in partnership with the council to begin planning.
After a successful year as BoC in 2018 which saw a number of events and exhibitions held around St Helens – including the award-winning Lost Castles project in Victoria Square – St Helens borough has once again been selected for the honour in 2023, with organisers keen to capture the imagination of local communities.
Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “We want 2023 to be developed and delivered collaboratively, building on the great creative work happening in St Helens by all our organisations, venues, artists, creative groups, musicians, dancers, writers, theatre practitioners, schools, colleges and other partners.
“As a council which recognises the huge talent in our borough – from our very own award-winning Cultural Hubs programme to the many other artists and organisations here – we are committed to the arts. That’s why we’ve approved a five-year St Helens Borough Arts Strategy which will help ensure every resident can engage with the arts, support post Covid-19 recovery plans, as well as future regeneration projects.
“Whether you love watching live music, theatre and dance; visiting art exhibitions, libraries and heritage sites – or just passionate about our wonderful borough – I’d encourage you to come down to these sessions to let us know what you think and how you want to be involved. ”
For full details about each session and to book a place click the links below:
Wednesday 13th July, 6pm – 8pm at The Citadel Theatre – book here: – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-helens-borough-of-culture-2023-information-for-creatives-groups-tickets-372705541307?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Thursday 14th July, 10am – 12noon at The World of Glass – book here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-helens-borough-of-culture-2023-information-for-creatives-groups-tickets-372738018447?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
If you can’t attend either session but would like to provide input, please register your interest with JamesValentine-Burrows@sthelens.gov.uk to be kept informed on future opportunities to get involved.
