We would like to bring to your wider attention a significant new initiative: ‘This is Shropshire’, an ambitious new cultural commission program by Vibrant Shropshire. This isn’t just about arts and culture; it’s a strategic move with direct implications for economic growth, community well-being, and the overall appeal of our county.
Vibrant Shropshire
This new program is designed to deliver tangible benefits that resonate across multiple sectors:
- Economic Catalyst: A thriving cultural scene is a powerful magnet for tourism, local spending, and creative industries. By funding diverse cultural projects, ‘This is Shropshire’ will stimulate local economies, creating jobs and fostering a more dynamic business environment. This directly contributes to the county’s financial health.
- Strengthening Our Communities: The commissions are specifically targeted to reach and engage historically underserved groups, including rural communities, older residents, those with special educational needs and disabilities, and our resettlement community. By fostering inclusivity and participation, the program aims to build more connected, resilient, and vibrant communities across Shropshire.
- Enhancing Shropshire’s Identity and Appeal: Our unique heritage and natural beauty are core to what makes Shropshire special. ‘This is Shropshire’ will showcase these assets through creative programming, boosting our county’s profile and making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and invest. This is about solidifying our brand and drawing in new opportunities.
- Driving Collaboration and Innovation: The program actively encourages partnerships among cultural providers and offers a significant commission for a county-wide, collaborative project. This focus on joint ventures and breaking down barriers to participation sets a precedent for effective, cooperative initiatives that can inspire other sectors.
The Opportunity: Get Involved or Support
Vibrant Shropshire is committing to thirteen commissions to bring ‘This is Shropshire’ to life. This is a call for innovative projects that will truly make a difference:
- Twelve targeted commissions (up to £5,000 each) aim to address specific community needs through cultural activities.
- One major county-wide commission (£15,000) will fund a multi-location cultural program focused on overcoming participation barriers and fostering widespread engagement.
Organisations capable of delivering impactful cultural initiatives are strongly encouraged to submit proposals. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Monday, June 9, 2025. All projects must be completed and evaluated by December 31, 2025.
Learn More Today
To provide deeper insight and answer your questions, Vibrant Shropshire is hosting an online Meet the Funder event today, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11 AM. This is an essential opportunity for anyone considering a proposal or simply wanting to understand the program’s potential impact. To join, please email culturalcompact@shropshire.gov.uk. (A recording will be available online afterward).
‘This is Shropshire’ is a critical investment in our county’s future.
Understanding its scope and potential is key for all stakeholders aiming for a prosperous and culturally rich Shropshire.
