This is fantastic news for the region with significant investment from Arts Council England for Estuary 2025. A huge congratulations to Estuary Festival!
Estuary Festival is delighted to announce an Arts Council England ‘Place Partnership’ investment of £258,500 towards the third edition of the contemporary arts festival celebrating the Thames Estuary. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ekFBDgEm Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are thrilled to support Estuary 2025 as part of our Place Partnership initiative. The festival showcases the power of collaboration between local communities and cultural organisations, creating rich creative opportunities for people at every stage of life. We can’t wait to see the exciting programme of participatory arts activities unfold.” Estuary 2025 explores the theme of ‘Vessels’ through an ambitious programme of participatory contemporary arts activities. Involving 54 partners ranging from schools and youth clubs to arts organisations and land and maritime agencies. National Highways' Lower Thames Crossing has provided funding to support the project, Shaun Pidcock, Programme Director, Lower Thames Crossing, said: “We are pleased to support Estuary 2025 because it represents a significant investment in the cultural and artistic landscape of the Thames Estuary. The Lower Thames Crossing is committed to creating a long-lasting legacy in the community, using designated funds to deliver an ambitious programme of wider investment in local communities and the environment. The support for Estuary 2025 will enable a diverse range of arts activities, fostering community engagement and celebrating the rich heritage of the region.” Connecting six places across the Thames Estuary, Estuary 2025 will spearhead a transformative phase for culture in Castle Point, Basildon, Thurrock in Essex, and Gravesham, Medway and Swale in Kent. Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: “Castle Point Borough Council are proud to be a part of this festival of talent, celebrating the beauty and diversity of our coastline and the people who are inspired by it. We are committed to ensuring our strong partnership work continues to flourish and that we engage our communities through creativity and the arts.” Major projects will be presented in sites on and across the Thames Estuary over 9 days, including a tidal pool on Canvey Island, in Gravesend, at Benfleet Yacht Club, Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Queenborough Harbour & Grays High Street. Read more about some of the commissioned projects here: https://lnkd.in/eicKAznU Find out how to get involved here: https://lnkd.in/eVRYQaY3