THE CREATIVE juices were running at an art extravaganza at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington.
Some 130 artists gathered for the very first Ignite event, which provided a great opportunity to network, enjoy food, music and chat, whilst also planning how to push forward the profile of the creative sector in the town.
The creative partners selected by Warwick District Council’s (WDC) Arts team to do this are Motionhouse, Playbox Theatre, Armonico Consort and Warwick Words Festival.
Louise Richards from Motionhouse, based at the town hall, said: “Ignite was a fantastic event and it was fabulous to play our part. Our thanks go to the WDC Arts team for giving us this opportunity.
“The event was truly sector-focussed, and the mood of the evening felt hugely supportive and just plain celebratory. The support that the council give to arts and culture in the district is what has made the difference here and has truly ignited the local sector”.
And real steps are already being taken.
Ignite co-host and WDC Arts Officer Carole Sleight, announced at the event that Leamington History Group had been awarded art project funding to make the short film ‘The History of Multi-Cultural Leamington’ – a documentary film about Leamington’s history and the communities who have chosen the town as their home.
Wren Hall was awarded funding to make a multi-generational cookbook called ‘The Bakers of Wroxhall’ which will capture the memories, stories, and secret family recipes in a very special book.
While Jenny Davies, Director of Arts Uplift who specialise in arts, health and heritage projects, were the first recipients of the new Ignite grant funding which aims to support the growth and resilience of an organisation.
Coun Liam Bartlett, WDC spokesperson for culture added: “No one in the room was left in any doubt of how fortunate we are to have so many creative artists and organisations working so hard to make this a great and inspirational district to work and live in.
“Conversations were happening, and connections were being made. The excitement from the evening just proves that our creative sector has a thrilling few years ahead as we build on and celebrate our successes”.
