History and culture in Medway to be celebrated as part of Historic England, Arts Council and National Lottery Heritage Fund programme
15:25, 20 May 2021
updated: 15:42, 20 May 2021
Cultural projects celebrating heritage and history in Medway have been handed a cash boost to highlight the area's past.
The grant of £80,000 will allow parts of Chatham and Rochester to showcase the rich cultural aspects of life in the Towns.
The interactive and public engagement programme will be in place in the Star Hill to Sun Pier Conservation Area and is one of 60 areas in the country to receive a share of a £6 million fund from Historic England.
A community led project made up of artists, businesses, resident groups has been created to develop the various strands of the Towns' history.
The Old High Street Intra Cultural Consortium is working on a three-year porject for projects, creative business training, pop-up artwork commissions and public artworks.
The full details are yet to be announced.
But the scope of the project is aiming to make high streets across the country more attractive, engaging and vibrant places for people to live, work and spend time.
The area, which is designated as one of the country's High Streets Heritage Action Zone, is aiming to connect with communities, celebrate and inspire the connections to the area's history and boost partnerships between organisations.
The overall project is being run by Historic England with support from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Janet Fischer, member of Chatham Intra Cultural Consortium, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding to deliver our cultural vision and legacy for the Old High Street Chatham Intra, making it a destination for everyone to discover and enjoy.
"Over the next three years we will be working alongside residents, local artists and businesses to showcase the abundant history and cultural vibrancy of our area, amplifying local voices and celebrating our diverse communities.
"We are passionate about Chatham Intra and want to share the richness of our local area through creative commissions, expanding on our incredible existing cultural scene and unique moments that will create new memories of the Intra."
Medway was one of 43 areas to take part in pilot projects since August.
It included a virtual walking history tour, Facebook Live sessions about the history of St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the launch of Medway Pride Radio alongside art installations to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and to celebrate LGBT history month.
Leader of Medway Council Cllr Alan Jarrett said: “Medway is steeped in history and I am delighted that we have received additional funding from Historic England to continue to tell the area’s story to residents.
"The Cultural Consortium, and their ongoing work with local creatives, not only supports Medway’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2025 but also supports our ambition to become a Child-Friendly City, putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
"We are continuing to invest heavily in Medway’s city centre and I am looking forward to watching these new cultural programmes take shape.”
Culture minister Caroline Dinenage MP said the fund will help "transform high streets into thriving cultural hubs".
For more information, visit: medway.gov.uk/heritageactionzone
