Huge grant fosters plan for Blackpool cultural resurgence

Blackpool - five-year plan for cultural growth. Pic: VisitBlackpool

Blackpool's ambition to become the UK's "Coastal Capital of Creativity" by 2030 has been given a boost with a £750,000 grant from the Arts Council.

The money will support the resort's ambitions to shape a programme of cultural opportunities and creativity that will widen its appeal for locals and the millions of annual visitors.

Steering partnership The Creative Blackpool Development Group (which includes the Grand Theatre, Grundy Art Gallery, Showtown, LeftCoast, Aunty Social, TramShed, Electric Sunshine Project, House of Wingz, Abingdon Studios, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Fylde College, Blackpool Bid and Blackpool Council), will create a plan to help the town to achieve its aims within the next five years.

Group director Kerry Vasiliou said: "I'm looking forward to reintroducing Blackpool through a cultural lens, unlocking fresh tourism and enhancing civic pride. These programmes will prove culture isn't a luxury, but essential to living happier and healthier lives, and can help shape Blackpool’s future."

Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand and chair of the group, Adam Knight, said: "Our unrivalled collection of cultural assets, combined with the creativity, determination and ambition of our communities, can outshine previous UK success stories such as Margate in Kent, where the town’s belief in culture and creativity have resulted in a diversification of cultural tourism, a resurgence of visitor numbers and long-term investment that benefits residents and businesses alike.”

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