The Royal Borough of Greenwich will be investing £2.5million into its cultural sector to protect our historic buildings, fund new events and continue to make culture one of its key strengths.
Through our Getting Things Done programme, we’re using a mix of developers’ cash and ringfenced grants to create new roles for young people in a highly competitive industry, as well as find new ways to explore investment – while maintaining the much-loved heritage buildings that add so much to the character of our borough.
The Council is investing £2.5million in arts and culture, broken down into smaller chunks to cover the most ground. This includes funding for heritage buildings, investing in self-funded specialists, and paid roles for 24 young people. We’ll also work with community leaders to fund local events in every ward.
As part of the investment we’re widening access to the borough’s archives by digitising it and making a dedicated space available at Charlton House.
Cllr Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Equality, said: “Greenwich really is the place to be, and we’re investing in all the things that make it so special. We’re funding new events in every corner of the borough, and bringing in self-funded specialists to bring new investment and make arts and culture more accessible for everyone.
“We’re a historic borough and we know people take great pride in our heritage, so we’re investing in our buildings and making sure our archive is more accessible. At the same time, we’re creating new opportunities for the next generation, with funded roles in arts and culture.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, added: “Culture can tell our story. It’s the buzz that Greenwich has – so this money is being put to good use to Get Things Done, protecting what we love and investing the arts for tomorrow.”
This investment comes from ringfenced grants and the council's negotiations with developers to secure £60million that it can use to focus on the things that it knows really matter to residents – because they matter to the council too. The money is part of the council's Getting Things Done drive which can’t be used to offset any future deficits.
Announcements will be made weekly: Visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/Getting-Things-Done or follow the Council on WhatsApp to be the first to know.