COUNCILLORS have agreed part funding of £58,000 to support the BasildON Working Group's phase two application to the Arts Council England funded Creative People and Places Programme.

Basildon Council is a member of the Working Group which is led by arts organisation, Things Made Public.

Members of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee met this past week and agreed the funding.

Chairman of the Committee CllrTerri Sargent said: "Arts and culture are very important when it comes to knitting together close and supportive communities. This four-year programme has already delivered some fantastic activities which has led to further economic benefits in the town by increasing footfall and spend.

"I look forward to more events and activities in the future that will highlight our town centres as creative hubs."

BasildON Creative People and Places was granted £1,289,002 by Arts Council England in August 2019. There are five programmes operating, including three major annual cultural festivals over 3 years:

Open Lab - A pop-up cultural venues and enterprises in vacant town centre units

Digi-Hub – Creation of a multi-purpose space in Basildon Town Centre for installations, exhibitions, performances and cultural events.