So, what is the Borough of Culture all about?
In a nutshell, it is a celebration of arts and culture in Halton and will involve an incredibly varied programme of events, exhibitions, festivals, concerts and activities throughout 2021.
It aims to put culture at the centre of the community where it belongs whilst also raising awareness in the wider community of the wealth of culture Halton has to offer.
Situated in the heart of Runcorn Shopping City, Culture HQ will be an exciting part of the programme, an easily accessible and multi-functional space where everyone is welcome. Here, people can find out more about the Borough of Culture programme of events and access a diverse range of events and activities.
Halton Borough Council Executive Board Member for Economic Development and Lead Member for Halton’s Borough of Culture, Cllr Eddie Jones, said, “it is really important that we raise awareness of Halton’s year as borough of culture as we have a packed year planned.
“People are currently being asked to stay at home, but, when we are able to visit, the hub at Runcorn Shopping City will certainly help with this. We appreciate that not everyone will be able to visit this venue, so the good news is that we are well advanced in our preparations for opening a similar hub in Widnes Market.
“As well as offering a signposting service for what’s on throughout 2021 in Halton, Culture HQ will take to the stage offering an amazing variety of hands-on activities, all designed to raise the profile of the Borough of Culture and to engage, inspire and connect the people of Halton. ”
Jade French, Culture HQ’s programme co-ordinator, explained: “The idea behind Culture HQ is to act as hub of information and activity in one constant location that people can visit all year round to find out what’s happening on the main programme, as well as getting involved with activities like workshops and exhibitions and more importantly, leading their own creative projects.
“My hope is that Culture HQ becomes a kind of creative contact zone where people and ideas come together throughout the year.
“I’m really keen to facilitate creative projects and ideas from Halton residents, so far people have come forward with incredible ideas including oral history projects, starting up magazines, creating artist studios and celebrating Pride in Halton.
“Culture HQ will symbolise the past, present and future of culture in Halton, ensuring there will be something for everyone and everyone in the community will be welcome. People will be encouraged to get involved and ‘get stuck in’ – and you never know – we might unleash a whole new generation of artists and culture vultures right here in Halton! ”
Dan Williamson from ArtReach is excited about being involved, saying: “ArtReach are delighted to be supporting the artistic programming for Celebrate Halton 2021. We hope that the exciting events and activities we have in store will help put a smile back on people’s faces after a difficult year in 2020.
“Culture HQ will help people more easily and regularly connect with culture on their doorstep. We hope that everyone in Halton will feel they can pop in and find out about up-and-coming events as well as take part in activities that will contribute to them.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with your own creative side and connect with other creatives in the borough.”
Check out Culture HQ on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram…. it’s Halton’s time to shine so watch this space in 2021.
To find out more about Celebrate Halton – Halton’s year as Borough of Culture visit the website celebratehalton.co.uk or search ‘celebrate halton’