Wellingborough community groups can pitch for arts and culture cash pot of nearly £900,000

The funding has been secured by the same group who organise Made in Corby - a community-led arts programme launched in 2014 .

At the launch at Wellingborough Museum on Wednesday, representatives from across the borough community groups were invited to pass on their ideas for artistic events.

Helen Willmott, Made in Corby programme director, said: "It's about creating new art for Wellingborough, art in the wider sense including visual art, performing art, dance, new digital and writing.

"We have no idea what the programme will look like. It will be up to the people in Wellingborough, for you, your friends, your colleagues and your neighbours."

The six-month consultation is seeking ideas for a future cultural programme and volunteers to help join overseeing bodies - the Consortium and an Advisory Group.

Over the past five years, Made in Corby events have included town-wide festivals to much smaller artist-led workshops.

The funds, which are part of Arts Council England’s Creative People & Places scheme, have been secured by Groundwork, a community, youth and environmental regeneration charity working across the whole of Northamptonshire.

Helen said: "The investment is for a programme that aims to engage new audiences and participants in cultural activities and events that are chosen by, and created with, local people.

"We’re starting with a period of consultation, where we want to talk to as many local organisations, community group and local residents as possible, to discover what activities local people are interested in and help to shape the programme.

"We want local people to be at the heart of this programme, so please do come along to our activities over the next few months, and complete the online survey to tell us what you want to see happen in the borough."

Organisers are looking to recruit young people from 12 to 25-years-old to help with next year's Young Artists Festival 2020 and anyone who has an idea for a new event or project or anyone wanting to enhance existing cultural activities.

Mike Parnell who volunteers at The Victoria Centre and helped to found The Castle Theatre said: "It's very exciting. I hope that people get involved in it and that the people who didn't come today join in. I hope it all comes to fruition."

Robert Wharton of Wellingborough museum said: "I'm pleased that people are taking an interest in Wellingborough. There's lots of separate groups that Made in Corby will bring together and we could do with more like that. I would like them to support existing events like the carnival."

To take part in the Wellingborough Creative People & Places survey click here .

To find out more about opportunities for community groups and organisations in the Wellingborough Creative People & Places programme please click here.

Alternatively, residents can attend a drop-in meetings:

Wednesday, November 20 at Wellingborough Library from 10am to 12noon - an informal drop-in.

Saturday, November 30 at Wellingborough Library Christmas Fair from 10am to 2pm - including a festive paper wreath with artist Linzi Bright and have a chat with the team.

Monday, December 16 at Wellingborough Library from 10am to 12noon - an informal drop-in chat.

In 2020, Thursday, January 16 at Wellingborough Library from 10am to 12noon - an informal drop-in chat.

Saturday, January 18 at the Victoria Centre from 1pm to 4.30pm - free craft activities with artists Linzi Bright and Sarah Walpole – and a chat with the team.

Saturday, February 22 at Swansgate Shopping Centre from 10am to 3pm - an artist-led craft session and a chat.

Monday, February 24 at Wellingborough Library from 10am to 12noon - an informal drop-in.

People with ideas or suggestions, can email [email protected] or call 01536 267895.