Wakefield Council 2024 Culture Grants: Empowering Local Communities through Arts and Heritage

Wakefield Council has revealed the latest recipients of its Connecting Culture Grants for 2024, celebrating a commitment to enrich the local arts and heritage scene. These grants aim to support well-established arts, heritage, and creative organisations in their efforts to deepen their engagement with the Wakefield community, thereby enhancing the district’s cultural offerings.

Five distinguished organisations have been chosen to receive these grants, each poised to make significant contributions to the community’s cultural landscape. See also Wakefield Council to get £626,000 funding for Museums & Castles.

Enhancing Community Engagement through Cultural Initiatives

Councillor Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, expressed her enthusiasm for the new grant recipients, highlighting the positive impact of these funds on community wellbeing.

"We’re thrilled to be supporting five leading cultural and heritage organisations with Connecting Culture Grants as part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024,"

she said.

"This funding will enable our residents to participate in high-quality creative workshops, attend world-class events, and engage in enriching cultural activities."

The 2024 Culture Grant Recipients

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield, named after the renowned artist Barbara Hepworth, is set to expand its community outreach programme. Olivia Colling, Deputy Director of The Hepworth Wakefield, expressed gratitude for the support.

"This grant will allow us to continue engaging with communities across the district through a variety of free and accessible family workshops, play sessions, and creative activities,"

she noted.

Key Initiatives:

• Family Drop-in Activities
• School Workshops
• Social Prescribing/Adult Wellbeing Programme

National Coal Mining Museum for England

The National Coal Mining Museum for England will utilise the grant to enhance its Youth Arts Festival and increase community outreach. CEO Lynn Dunning emphasized the museum’s plans to foster creativity among young people and strengthen their connection with the local heritage.

"This grant allows us to expand our Youth Arts Festival and increase opportunities for creatives to work with the Museum,"

Dunning stated.

Key Initiatives:

• Youth Arts Festival
• Community Lantern Parade
• Live Music Performances

Nostell – National Trust

Nostell, managed by the National Trust, will collaborate with the creative agency ‘AndNow’ to design interactive sculptural installations in the rose garden, drawing on historical narratives. Joanne Hudson, General Manager at National Trust Nostell, expressed her excitement about the project.

"This grant helps us connect Nostell with our local community and share this special site with a wider audience,"

she said.

Key Initiatives:

• Fire Garden Event
• Community Engagement Activities
• Free Ticket Distribution

Theatre Royal Wakefield

Theatre Royal Wakefield, a historic Victorian Grade II* listed building, will use the grant to extend its creative learning initiatives. Sarah Shooter, Head of Development, highlighted the theatre’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and community support.

"Thanks to our Culture Grants 2024 – Connecting Culture, our creative opportunities for the people of Wakefield can continue to grow,"

she remarked.

Key Initiatives:

• Performance Academy
• Chime Programme for Learning Disabled Young People
• Conversation Cafe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) plans to use its grant to host a vibrant new installation in their 18th-century Chapel. Dr Alex Hodby, Interim Head of Programmes, emphasized the significance of the grant in supporting community engagement.

"The crucial support of the Culture Grant will enable us to deepen and strengthen our work with communities across the district,"

Hodby explained.

Key Initiatives:

• New Chapel Installation
• Family and School Programmes
• Creative Workshops

The Broader Impact of Cultural Funding

These grants represent a broader initiative by Wakefield Council to foster a thriving cultural environment that benefits all residents. By supporting these leading organisations, the Council is ensuring that the district’s cultural heritage continues to grow and flourish, offering diverse opportunities for engagement and learning.

For more information about Wakefield Council’s cultural funding initiatives, visit Wakefield Council Culture Grants.

Partner Information

Theatre Royal Wakefield

Theatre Royal Wakefield will enhance its creative learning programmes for various community groups, including learning-disabled and autistic young people, older adults at risk of social isolation, and refugee families. The theatre aims to improve wellbeing, self-confidence, and cultural engagement through a range of activities.

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield will deliver an extensive outreach programme, featuring family drop-in activities, school workshops, and a new social prescribing/adult wellbeing initiative. The gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, continues to offer inspiring learning opportunities for the community.

National Coal Mining Museum for England

The National Coal Mining Museum will launch a new training programme for young people and host the Light Up Festival, featuring illuminated industrial machinery and live performances. The museum’s attractions, including underground tours and exhibitions, remain a significant draw for visitors.

Nostell – National Trust

Nostell will collaborate with community groups to create a fire garden installation and distribute free tickets to ensure broad access to their events. The site, managed by the National Trust since 1953, offers rich historical experiences through its Georgian mansion and expansive gardens.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park will host a new, colourful artwork in their Chapel, accompanied by a programme of activities aimed at promoting creativity and wellbeing. YSP continues to be a leading centre for modern and contemporary sculpture, supporting artists and engaging the public through innovative exhibitions.

By continuing to support these organisations, Wakefield Council reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of the district, ensuring that arts and heritage remain accessible and enriching for all residents.