Arts Council England visits Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis has welcomed representatives from Arts Council England for a special visit to showcase local partnerships and highlight the artistic ambition for the town over the next few years.
The visit included a tour of the town centre, viewing the plans for the rejuvenated Alexandra Theatre and a stop-off at The Bognor Makerspace – a space for people to develop creative skills, created by a partnership of charities and social enterprises.
The meeting was facilitated by the council to highlight how our funding success with both the Levelling Up Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is helping to make a difference in Bognor Regis. Similar projects are also having a positive impact across the district.
Attending the meeting was Leader of Arun District Council, Councillor Matt Stanley, who said:
“I am delighted to welcome Arts Council England to Bognor Regis. It’s hoped that our meeting today will act as a springboard for future dialogue and encourage direct support for local initiatives that help the arts to flourish and create economic growth.
“Our town is renowned for entertainment and the arts, and we welcome a close relationship with Arts Council England.”
Jayne Tyler, Senior Relationship Manager for Arts Council England said:
“We welcomed the opportunity to spend the day in Bognor Regis and to meet the dedicated team and stakeholders who are working collaboratively to develop the artistic, cultural and tourism offer in the town. It was exciting to see some of the key new initiatives such as the refurbishment of the Alexandra Theatre on Bognor’s seafront.”
Also attending the meeting were local councillors and representatives from several local agencies, along with partners from West Sussex County Council, Making Theatre Gaining Skills, the University of Chichester, Bognor Regis BID, Bognor Regis Regeneration Board, Artswork and local artists.The Arts Council has identified Arun as a Levelling Up for Culture Place and, along with more than 100 other levelling up priority places outside of London, has committed to focus additional engagement and investment in the district. Arun will hold this status until 2026.