A group of Brighton & Hove cultural organisations, that pioneered a collaborative approach to Cultural Recovery in the city, has published a report demonstrating its impact on artists and audiences, as the city recovers from the pandemic.
More than 50 organisations were involved, employing 324 artists and creative workers – most of them freelancers, whose livelihoods were impacted by the pandemic.
The plan saw a total of £550,000 raised to support projects around the city, including 25 new commissions and 24 events, welcoming audiences of more than 12,000.
Around 435 local residents participated directly in projects. One commented: “This project landed in my life at a very difficult time. It helped me have another focus and helped me digest some of the grief and anxiety that I was struggling with.”
The funding came from many different sources, including Brighton & Hove City Council, Arts Council England, Brilliant Brighton Business Improvement District and the government’s ‘Welcome Back’ Covid recovery fund.
Arts organisations in the city also contributed, supporting freelancers to be involved in decision making and be paid for their time.
Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee (TECC), said: “Brighton & Hove is known worldwide as a centre for culture and the arts, whether it’s supporting and providing platforms for events and exhibitions, to nurturing and creating opportunities for up-and-coming artists.
“We saw first-hand the devastating effect Covid 19 had on the industry and those who make their living through the arts, so are pleased to have supported a programme that will not only aid recovery, but work to provide a more sustainable and inclusive future for arts and culture in our city.”
He added that the report will be considered by members of the TECC committee in January.
To see the report and for more info, CLICK HERE
