Published: Thursday, 12th January 2017

The Arts Council has announced funding of £270,000 towards creating a cultural quarter.

The Arts Council funding will go towards a project to increase tourism in, and raise the profile of Woolwich through its initiative, Cultural Destinations.

Raising the profile of Woolwich

'Woolwich: creating a new Cultural Destination in London' will pair the arrival of the Crossrail service in 2018 with the launch of a new arts-led events programme to increase tourism and encourage local pride.

Art and culture will be at the heart of the campaign. Visit Greenwich and the local authority will work with the well-known Greenwich+Docklands International Festival to produce high-quality and accessible arts activities for visitors and locals.

'A 21st century cultural destination'

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Denise Hyland, said: "London's newest Cultural Quarter will cement Woolwich's transformation into a 21st century cultural destination while delivering new skills and jobs, creative industries, increased tourism and economic regeneration.

"This award will make a fantastic contribution towards helping the Royal Borough of Greenwich achieve our long-term objective of revitalising Woolwich through arts and culture. The Council has been working towards the creation of a cultural district at Woolwich for some time and this funding will help to stimulate activity to complement our investment.

"The cultural district is using the military heritage of Woolwich to transform the town's identity from a former munitions and armament centre to a hive of culture, arts and creative industry while offering a wealth of opportunities and spaces for the local community and visitors to use and enjoy."

Developing the local area

Joyce Wilson, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said: "Crossrail will bring with it huge opportunities for development of the local infrastructure, housing and economy, and it is vital that arts and culture remain at the table. I'm pleased we have been able to support Visit Greenwich's plans, ensuring that there is a cultural heart to the developments that celebrates the area and stays true to its community."

Cultural Destinations initiative

Cultural Destinations was developed by the Arts Council after a three year partnership with Visit England, the national tourist board. The initiative aims to increase the reach of those experiencing arts and culture, the sustainability of cultural organisations in local destinations, and to encourage the public and private sector to work together to support the growth of the local visitor economy.