Watermans lead the creation of four high-quality arts hubs
Hounslow is set to receive more than £900,000 to bring arts to residents across the borough.
The funding comes from the Arts Council as part of a project to increase enjoyment of the arts in areas which currently have low participation.
The project is being led by Brentford-based Watermans, who are part of a consortium of seven local organisations who will create four arts hubs across the borough.
These will provide an arts programme, distribute resources to where they are needed most, and support smaller organisations to develop arts programmes. This will include artistic programmes in activities in destinations such as Hounslow town centre.
Watermans led the bid process for the consortium, which resulted in the Arts Council grant of £929,079 over three years.
Jan Lennox, director of Watermans said: “The Outdoor Arts Festival we produced last year enabled us to involve many people who do not normally have the opportunity to interact with the arts.
“We are delighted that this grant will enable us to involve the other leading arts exponents in the borough to continue to deliver on our ambition of bringing communities together through cultural participation.”
Joyce Wilson, area director London, Arts Council England said: “The creative people and places programme focuses on parts of the country where peoples' involvement in the arts is significantly below the national average.
“Watermans’ expertise in working with west London communities places them in an ideal position to lead this positive partnership with a unique and shared long term 10 year vision to engage and inspire the public.”
Cllr Ajmer Grewal, cabinet member for leisure and public health at the council, said: "This significant investment in our creative and cultural offer is great news for the borough and a real boost for local arts.
“The hubs will help bring quality arts programmes to audiences across the borough, and help us realise our vision of a confident, confident, colourful and creative borough.”
The grant is only the second in London, after the Studio 3 Arts scheme in Barking and Dagenham won funding in the previous round.
The consortium of local organisations working together to deliver the arts programme includes:
May 15, 2013