THE UNIVERSITY of Warwick’s Art Centre has been shortlisted for the Museum and Heritage Awards for its ‘Playing Out in Canley’ programme.
The global awards celebrates museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage attractions across the world and the University of Warwick is up for Community Engagement Project of the Year.
It was a three-year long programme of creativity across the community of Canley in Coventry and is a collaborative project between the people of Canley and Warwick Arts Centre.
The programme set up a local samba band, hosted creative workshops, hosted outdoor film screenings and held an annual parade each summer.
Gemma Wright, head of creative learning at Warwick Arts Centre, and Playing Out in Canley steering group member said: “The programme is one of creativity, joy, community cohesion and social connection.
“At its heart is community voice and a group of passionate residents working to bring people together and embed creativity in the area.
“To have that recognised through the shortlist is just amazing.”
During the project, the arts centre has worked with community leaders, residents and artists to deliver 263 community sessions across visual arts, poetry, movement and music for over 7,000 people.
The project has also supported 27 local community events such as pop-up cafes, fates and delivered 600 art packs for people to get creative at home.
