The three-year programme will establish Walsall's first coordinated creative pathway, connecting early participation in arts and culture with skills development, education, employment and enterprise opportunities.
“ This is fantastic news for Walsall and a major vote of confidence in the borough's creative potential. Securing £900,000 from Arts Council England will enable us to create opportunities for thousands of children and young people, helping them develop new skills, build confidence and access pathways into rewarding careers. “
Councillor Matt Eason, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council
Creative Horizons has been developed through a partnership led by Walsall Council, working alongside The New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall Arena and Arts Centre, Walsall Leather Museum, One Walsall Cultural Compact, Walsall College, the University of Wolverhampton, Urban Hax and a wide range of local cultural organisations.
The programme will support young people across the borough, with targeted activity in communities experiencing some of the highest levels of deprivation and lowest levels of cultural participation, helping to ensure creative opportunities are accessible to everyone.
Creative Horizons will deliver a joined-up programme that inspires participation, develops skills and creates pathways into employment through three connected strands. Creative Curiosity will engage more than 5,000 children and young people in accessible community-based cultural activities and events, building creativity, confidence and aspiration. Creative Connections will strengthen the talent pipeline by bringing together education, community and employer partners to provide creative skills, training and progression opportunities. And Creative Careers will support young people into employment, apprenticeships, higher education and enterprise through mentoring, placements, targeted employment initiatives and support for the growth of local creative businesses.
Creative Horizons is expected to begin delivery later this year, with activity taking place across communities throughout the borough over the next three years.
