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Due to the success of the Network, an independent consultant was commissioned to look at the existing rural arts provision in Cheshire, and recommend how it could be further developed and improved.
The resulting report highlighted the enormous potential for the arts to improve the quality of life for Cheshire’s rural communities and using the conclusions and recommendations of the report, the County Council's Arts Service was able to procure funding from the Regional Arts Lottery.
Strengthen, Sustain, Expand
The main objective was to strengthen, expand and help to sustain arts activities within rural communities, Cheshire being mainly a rural county, with little building based arts infrastructure. To provide a programme of professional arts activities (e.g. performances, workshops) and to support the communities involved in the choice, the organisation and the evaluation and development of arts activities.
We now provide professional support through our Rural Arts Officers and through training for volunteers. Cheshire’s Rural Touring Network venue membership has increased to 24 and is an integral part of the Rural Arts programme. It is a network of villages across the county which enjoy the challenge and excitement of choosing and staging high quality professional arts and entertainment events, as well as organising participatory arts workshops.
The Cheshire Network is one of 36 rural touring schemes run nationally, affiliated to the National Rural Touring Forum, an organisation that continues to help raise the profile of rural arts throughout the country.
More information from Claire Smith or Jenny Prescott, Rural Arts Officers, Tel: 01244 602835
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