Access to arts and culture in Walsall given a funding boost for residents

The University of Wolverhampton’s School of Performing Arts has secured £10,000 to improve access to arts and culture for Walsall residents.

The funds have been secured through Arts Council England (ACE) for the Walsall Cultural Compact, which was established in October 2020 with an initial grant from the same organisation.  The additional money will allow the University to further develop the project and potential new investment and resources for culture and creativity.

The School of Performing Arts, based at the University’s Walsall Campus, led on establishing the project which includes partners such as Walsall Council, the New Art Gallery, Urban Hax, Creative Black Country and Black Country Dance Hub amongst others.

Dr Sarah Browne, Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University, said: “The key stakeholders on the Compact set aims and objectives focused on improving access to arts and culture for every resident in Walsall and these aims sit alongside the town regeneration plan.

“We are delighted to have been awarded an additional grant from ACE to focus on audience development plus the incorporation of additional Compact stakeholders from the health and business sectors.

“This additional support will allow the Compact to move from strength-to-strength as we seek to focus our efforts further, particularly in the post-Covid climate. It will also help us work to encourage a wider range of voices on the Compact including representatives from the private and healthcare sectors.”

If partners or other stakeholders would like to know more about the project or register their interest to get involved contact Dr Ian Rudge, secretary to the Compact, by email: i.rudge@wlv.ac.uk.

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.

Picture caption: The friendly Hippo, sculpted by internationally renowned designer, Neil Hughes, recently led the parade at the Women’s Tour of Britain and made appearances in Walsall and throughout the event.  Inspired by Julie Taymor’s work on The Lion King, Neil’s design was made as a tribute to the town’s beloved and iconic concrete hippo sculpture and was created using airbrushing, pattern cutting and light weight theatrical foam. 

ENDS