We would like to take the opportunity to draw attention to the significant work of Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact, following the announcement of thirteen creative projects successfully commissioned to form the core of the ‘This is Shropshire’ cultural festival.
This represents a significant and strategic investment in our region’s creative sector and its capacity for community engagement. Tim Ashton volunteers his time as a board member for this initiative. This programme is designed to extend beyond a typical festival format. It reflects a strategic decision by the project funders to invest in the social and cultural infrastructure of Shropshire, focusing on lowering barriers to participation, strengthening community ties, and supporting the county’s diverse artistic talent.
The Foundation: Strategic Investment in Local Culture
The festival is an output of the efforts of Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact, which secured funding through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for local arts and cultural activities.
The selection process was competitive, drawing over 50 high-quality applications, from which 13 projects were chosen by the Vibrant Shropshire board. This funding model utilizes both targeted investment (up to £5,000) for twelve projects and a single, flagship commission (worth £15,000) to maximize public engagement.
An Overview of the Commissions
These projects span a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, theatre, heritage preservation, and digital arts, ensuring that cultural participation is accessible across the county:
Connecting Generations and Well-being
Pentabus: Home is Here: Songs and Stories from Shropshire
A multi-generational project connecting pupils and older residents through song-writing and poetry, exploring the concept of “home.” The project culminates in a public performance at Saint Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury on Thursday 27th November.
Look for participation details and sign-up forms on the Pentabus website.
Shropshire Music Service: Singing for the Brain
A partnership with Coverage Care, this project is designed to support the wellbeing of people living with dementia. The therapeutic use of music and singing in care homes is utilized to foster social connection for participants and their families.
CultureKind Chinese Community: Celebrating Cultural Diversity
CultureKind’s inclusive programme of Chinese dance, music, craft, and food will be delivered at multiple local festivals, aiming to build cross-cultural understanding and reduce isolation.
Championing Arts and Talent Development
Shropshire Inclusive Dance: Welcoming Dawn
The Shropshire tour (September – December 2025) of this professional-level inclusive dance piece. Accessible venues and workshops are provided to foster appreciation for movement and artistic expression.
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings: Beyond the Mosaic
A series of free family workshops inspired by the Mosaic Mural, incorporating Arts and Crafts, Drama, Storytelling, and Music. This programme aims to make heritage engagement interactive and accessible.
Footprint Gallery: Class of ’25
An investment in the next generation of local artists, this support and mentoring programme culminates in a professional exhibition designed to platform new creative voices.
Engaging Youth and Rural Communities
SpArC Theatre: Culture for Young People in Rural Communities
This project addresses the challenge of isolation in rural areas. SpArC’s dynamic activities—including Pop-up Parkour, Live Theatre, and workshops—are designed to boost creativity and social connection for youth in remote areas.
Nick Fogg: Piece of String Media
A unique series of outdoor workshops on farms in the Shropshire Hills. The project combines education on sustainable farming with creative digital storytelling (photos, video, audio).
MediaActive Projects: Creative Media Masterclasses
A programme offering hands-on creative media masterclasses for young people and adults (16+), focused on providing access to specialist skills in film, animation, and exhibition.
Entire Person Education: My Shropshire Story Festival
An initiative focusing on schools in areas of high social deprivation. This three-day festival will enable pupils to co-create and share their own stories, celebrating their unique identity and place.
Celebrating Heritage and Place-Making
ShireFolk
Delivered through the Bridgnorth Music & Arts Festival, this project supports Grassroots Music while providing crucial technical skills development through the Crew Futures training programme in sound engineering.
Oswestry Memorial Hall: OMH Moments
A collaboration where members of Oswestry’s Ukrainian Community capture and share the 120-year history of the hall. The resulting art installations are intended to help new residents connect with the community’s heritage.
Maona Cinema: Cinema for Everyone: Shropshire Stories on Screen
A series of monthly, community-led film events that offer a communal and creative experience, showcasing local voices, workshops, and music at the Oswestry Maona Cinema.
We extend our congratulations to the Vibrant Shropshire team and all the successful recipients. We encourage all residents in the county to explore these opportunities throughout the festival year. For all specific details on dates, locations, booking, and how to participate, please visit the main Vibrant Shropshire website.
