Arts and creativity given a boost thanks to Greater Manchester Culture Fund

Two Rochdale organisations are to be given a boost thanks to an £8.6 million investment in arts and creativity across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.

English Folk Expo and Cartwheel Arts will receive grants from the Greater Manchester Culture Fund, set up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support cultural organisations that provide excellent cultural experiences and opportunities throughout Greater Manchester.

English Folk Expo supports the English folk, roots and acoustic music sector through showcases, artist and industry development, live events, commissions and other initiatives. They promote UK and international folk music in Greater Manchester via the Manchester Folk Festival, Rochdale Folk Festival and a year-round promotions programme taking place in venues across the city region. 

They run an annual showcase, inviting music industry from across the world to Manchester. They also deliver artist and industry training programmes supporting professional development for the music industry in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Chief Executive Tom Besford said: “This grant will enable us to deliver programmes of work specifically for Greater Manchester residents, enhancing the offer at Manchester and Rochdale Folk Festivals, working with artists from the city region and supporting and growing the music industry across Greater Manchester.

“Our artist mentoring programmes will grow the careers of GM based musicians, our industry training will develop the regional music sector, our public festivals and events will introduce incredible new music to audiences right across Greater Manchester.

“Folk is the music of our heritage, of the people and of our identities; we look forward to sharing and celebrating it throughout our city region."

 

 

Cartwheel Arts promotes social inclusion, cohesion, diversity and regeneration through community participation in vibrant, innovative, high-quality arts projects. They call it Art for a Reason.

Cartwheel has over 35 years' experience of promoting imaginative, and often challenging arts projects. Its focus is on participation, enabling people who may have had little experience of the arts to explore and develop their creativity and talents, generating a sense of ownership and pride. Based in Heywood, they work across Rochdale borough, with additional project work in Bury, Oldham and Wigan.

Cartwheel Arts have worked with Darnhill Festival Association since 2003 to stage the annual festival, a mainstay of summer on  Darnhill Estate. This year's 'Festival of  Wonder' will take place on Saturday 4 July starting as usual with a vibrant and noisy procession around the estate followed by a full afternoon of wonderful activities and entertainment.

Rick Walker, Director of Cartwheel, is delighted that Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund have renewed their support for the charity for the next two years.

He said: "It is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growing reputation and impact of the creative sector in Greater Manchester, and we are thrilled to be in such amazing company. It is welcome recognition of the importance of the work we do, particularly in promoting mental wellbeing through the arts."

The award of £30,000 a year will mainly be used to support Cartwheel's Art for Wellbeing programme which has been running since 2008. Cartwheel support groups in Heywood for adults with mental health and addiction issues and run projects for adults and young people across the borough. Their Wellbeing Dominoes resource is in use in 27 Rochdale schools.

This funding announcement follows on from the news in December that the National Lottery Community Fund would be providing 3 years funding of Cartwheel Arts running costs from January 2020 with a total award of £189,478. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It feels like we have the best of both worlds here in Greater Manchester: a whole catalogue of internationally renowned artists and creatives, and a vibrant cultural scene right at the heart of our local communities.

“We want to this to be the best place to grow up, get on and grow old, and that means supporting the institutions and groups that enrich our places and create new opportunities in our vibrant, diverse economy.

“This portfolio properly recognises culture’s role in creating lively, liveable places and thriving communities, which is why we’ve increased our investment to support organisations in all 10 of our districts. This investment celebrates culture and creativity and makes sure they are visible and accessible across all our town and city centres.”

This current phase of the grant programme will operate over a period of two years, from April 1 2020 to March 31 2022.