NCC1321 Animating Ashington

Descriptions

Northumberland County Council is the lead partner for the Ashington RegenerationProgramme, with funding provided by a number of different sources. As part of thisRegeneration Programme, the Council seek to appoint an exceptional cultural and creativeprofessional team to design and deliver a distinct series of cultural events and activities thatengage local people and businesses, attract visitors and complement the AshingtonInvestment Plan objectives. Community engagement will be at the heart of the AnimatingAshington project with a focus on children and young people.Specifically, the project will:• Appoint a cultural and creative professional team or company to develop and deliver adistinct programme of intergenerational cultural inspired performance events and responsesthat activate, animate and mobilise the town centre, with an overall programme theme basedon colour, animation and the high street.• Increase activity to the town’s current offer including activation of existing and proposednew sites to demonstrate potential through a programme of events concentratedthroughout the year. Expanded activities could include festivals, makers, craft and lifestylemarkets, projections, lighting events and engaging performances that give residents newreasons to visit the town centre and add to the appeal of Ashington as a destination for railusers from summer 2024.• Increase the understanding of the town’s culture and consider contemporary responses tosupport a future focused approach and vision to reimagine the purpose and function of thetown.• Encourage business collaboration particularly with those trading in the town centre tofoster a culture of working together to present the diversity of offer and ability of the towncentre to promote Ashington as a destination.• Increase civic pride, encourage public participation and create a legacy and local ownershipof annual events via partnership working and an asset-based approach.• Support audience development, establish and nurture connections to residents, schoolsand local businesses.