Arts project unleashes Burntwood’s ‘creativity and potential’

A new arts project in Burntwood is aiming to unlock the area’s “creativity and potential”.

The Creative Burntwood project is being delivered by the Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield District Council and Burntwood Town Council.

The £300,000 initiative is being funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s Place Partnership programme.

It will feature live performances, workshops and creative opportunities across the town, including storytelling with The Story Detectives, puppetry with the Puppet Petting Farm and The Great Baldini’s magic show.

Drama will also be on offer with the likes of Sherlock Holmes: The Death and Life and Gav Cross’ War of the Worlds.

The initiative has so far led to the launch of Creative Burntwood Community Choir taster sessions in which more than 60 participants joined Ashley Mellor for “uplifting, happy and supportive” free weekly sessions.

Young Garrick Burntwood has also seen a range of performances.

Daniel Buckroyd (pictured), CEO and artistic director of Lichfield Garrick, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have worked with Burntwood Town Council and Lichfield District Council to secure this funding from Arts Council England to deliver Creative Burntwood.

“Burntwood is a brilliant community, full of untapped creativity and potential, and this project is about opening doors for people of all ages to get involved, try something new and feel part of something special.

“During our community consultation, 64% of respondents told us they don’t currently take part in any creative activities. We have been very humbled and encouraged by the positive response from Burntwood residents so far, and we are so excited to see how the community flourishes.”

The Creative Burntwood initiative will run across three years.

Denise Orton Brown, Creative Burntwood project manager, said: “This is such an exciting project – and it has been great to meet with so many organisations and members of the community to explore the plans for the first year.

“Everyone has been so receptive, and the people of Burntwood really want to create opportunities that are welcoming and accessible.

“This project is being shaped by local voices and local spaces – and the ripple effect means that we have even more ideas for what people want. The arts and being creative is about connection by bringing people together, building confidence, and giving everyone a voice, no matter their background or experience.”

An official launch event will take place at Chase Terrace Community Centre from 2.30pm to 9.30pm on 14 January.

Pictured: Sherlock Holmes is among the forthcoming productions as part of the project