ART and culture will be put at the heart of Coventry’s future after Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Fund’s Great Place scheme donated more than £1.4million.
Led by Coventry City of Culture Trust, Great Places will see a three-year programme embed arts and culture in all future plans – from jobs, growth, tourism and making Coventry a good place to live, visit and study.
A total of £1,489,255 has been pledged to Coventry – one of 16 places nationwide to receive support.
From Warwick Arts Centre to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Cathedral and the Herbert Art Gallery, the project aims to build on the strong partnership between the city’s two universities, businesses, communities and the cultural sector.
Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England, said: “Art and culture make the places we live vibrant and exciting – entertaining and inspiring us.
“It will be great to see this funding strengthen partnerships across Coventry.”
Laura McMillan, manager of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “Great Places is a massive vote of confidence in Coventry and the partnerships we have created.
“Being a young city at the heart of the Midlands, Coventry is ideally placed to develop exceptional events and projects engaging all ages in the city’s heritage, architecture and cultural life.
“Funding of this scale is a first for the city.
“With this backing, the Trust is able to continue its work investing in the diverse communities of Coventry.”
