Warwick district has a thriving creative sector and a growing reputation for a distinctive blend of rich cultural heritage sites, cutting edge creative companies, artists, and organisations.
Warwick District Council's Arts Section aims to support and champion creativity in the area by sharing grant information, commissioning new engagement opportunities, providing spaces for hire, and signposting to professional development opportunities.
We recognise the impact of our creative sector upon our economic and social goals - and we are fortunate to have a diverse, thriving creative community which contributes significantly to making Warwick district a great place to live, work and visit.
This has been an exciting time for the people who live and work in the area and for creatives across the region - with Coventry City of Culture in 2021, Birmingham, Leamington and Warwick hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and plans for the development of a Creative Quarter in Royal Leamington Spa. All have increased the number of cultural engagement opportunities throughout the district.
We have finalised a Creative Framework, a new five-year strategy, which aims to accelerate creative sector growth and maximise its impact across the district through partnership and collaborative working. Find out more about the Creative Framework, and sign up to our monthly Arts Newsletter to keep up to date with news and opportunities from across our district's creative community.
The Strategic Development Team at Arts Services are:
Paul Roberts, Arts Services Manager
Paul is responsible for the overall management of Warwick District council's Arts Section. This includes three of the district's cultural venues - the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Town Hall, and the Royal Spa Centre, which welcome over 500,000 people through their doors every year. Paul's role is to inspire residents and visitors to the area by creating opportunities for them to participate in or attend arts activities.
Email: paul.roberts@warwickdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01926 456230
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Dr Chloe Johnson & Vicki Slade, Collections & Engagement Managers
Chloe and Vicki lead the Arts Service’s Collections & Engagement team, which looks after the collections at Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum and run the programme of exhibitions and events. Their team also maintains and develops relationships with the arts community across Warwick District and works on maximising opportunities for those living and working in the district to access and participate in arts activities.
Email: Chloe.Johnson@warwickdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01926 456942
Email: Victoria.Slade@warwickdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01926 456 6943
Johnathan Branson, Projects & Development Manager
Johnathan is responsible for increasing attendance and participation in the Arts within the District and developing its creative infrastructure. His role includes service development, strategic partnerships, project management, reporting and monitoring, and arts marketing. Johnathan is interested in exploring opportunities for service development, including new technologies and programmes of work, and improving processes to enhance service delivery and increase impact. He is also responsible for developing new income streams and creating best value out of our current assets through collaborations with strategic partners in the public and private sectors.
Email: johnathan.branson@warwickdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01926 456351
Twitter: @JBranson_
Connor Elliman, WDC Arts Officer
Connor supports our creative community and assists in raising the profile of our cultural artists and organisations. He is responsible for the administration of WDC Art and partnership grants and provides support, advice, promotion, networking, and workshop opportunities for all across the district. To keep updated with all cultural events and activities, join WDC Arts News on Facebook or sign up to our newsletter.
Email: connor.elliman@warwickdc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01926456231
Header image: Playbox Theatre's 'Much Ado About Nothing'
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