THOUSANDS of people across Coventry will have the chance to experience arts exhibitions, take part in events and develop new creative skills under a new initiative from Coventry University.
Shape Coventry – a new creative skills development programme – will be rolled out across Coventry over the next three years after it was launched at a Cultural Champions event at Coventry Transport Museum.
The £1.14million programme, supported by nearly £650,000 from Arts Council England, brings together more than 20 partners, including Coventry City Council, Coventry Cultural Education Partnership, Street Art Strategy, the University of Warwick, British Council and CreaTech Frontiers, to support Coventry’s creative economy and future talent.
Activities will take place at venues across the city, including Coventry University’s Delia Derbyshire Building and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Murals will also be created in public spaces across the city.
The scheme will involve more than 100 schools, aiming to give young people the chance to develop creative skills, work towards Arts Awards and discover careers in the sector by engaging with artists, industry professionals and university expertise.
The programme will also support local artists and creative professionals through paid work placements, internships, networking opportunities and business support.
Activity linked to the prestigious British Art Show 10, arriving in the city in October, will also form part of the programme.
Professor Ian Dunn, Provost of Coventry University, said Shape Coventry would build on the university’s tradition of creative arts from its original roots as Coventry School of Design in 1843.
He said: “As well as offering opportunities for the people of Coventry – no matter their age or background – to enjoy creative opportunities, we want the programme to ensure the aspirations of emerging talent can be met by creating skills opportunities in Coventry.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said all children and young people should have access to the ‘inspiration and joy’ that culture and creativity bring.
She added: “This project will do just that in more than 100 schools across the city, building confidence and pride in the place that they live and new skills that will benefit them for life.
“It will mark a real step change, helping more people to experience, connect and take part in creativity and culture on their own doorsteps.”
Coun Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said the initiative was brilliant news for the city.
He said: “Not only does it bring over £600,000 of funding into Coventry but it will also give arts and culture opportunities to thousands of our residents – including many school-aged children and young people.
“This programme will give young people valuable skills in the creative sectors, whilst supporting and nurturing local artists and creative professionals with paid opportunities in the city.”
