Newark Creates, led by Newark Cultural Consortium, returns thanks to Arts Council England funding

A cultural programme bringing creative fun to the streets of Newark is planning another year of activities after being awarded £87,000.

Newark Creates, led by Newark Cultural Consortium as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme, aims to celebrate Newark's heritage and arts organisations through a series of events and activities.

It is being supported by the grant from Arts Council England this year.

"We are excited to get started with our third year and can’t wait for local people to enjoy the amazing creative experiences we have in store," said Carol Newman, director of culture at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, the lead partner in the consortium

“Newark Creates’ first two years have been a fantastic effort of collaboration with consortium members, including Inspire, Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Civic Trust, Newark Heritage Trust, Newark Book Festival, Newark and Sherwood CVS, Newark Town Council, Tree Newark, and Newark College all working together, as well as with external partners, to offer diverse events to varied audiences."

A colourful umbrella installation, in partnership with the ADHD Neurodiversity Foundation, is due to kick-off proceedings later in spring.

Hundreds of bright brollies will hang above the town centre’s streets in an uplifting visual representation of all the different minds we have locally and across the UK.

The display, part of the nationwide Neurodiversity Umbrella Project, is designed to represent the one in five of us who have a neurodevelopmental condition, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia or Tourette’s syndrome.

As part of Newark Creates’ education and outreach programme, they will be working with local communities and schools to offer opportunities to perform during the installation.

Newark Creates introduced the national Fun Palaces initiative to the town in 2021 and will be taking part once again, offering the chance for local creatives to share their talents at this fun celebration of skills from October 6-8.

A meet and greet is being held for anyone interested in taking part in this year’s event on Wednesday, March 22, from 6pm to 7.30pm at LetsXcape in Newark.

Anyone wanting to attend should RSVP to sara.bullimore@inspireculture.org.uk.

There are also plans for urban and youth art projects, artist in residencies and more.