Residents invited to shape St Helens' Borough of Culture plans for 2023

Launched in 2018, the Borough of Culture (BoC) title is awarded by the Liverpool City Region's Combined Authority, supporting each of its six local authorities to establish cultural events throughout the year.

As part of the City Region's scheme, each local authority is awarded a £200,000 funding package on a rotating, annual basis.

St Helens' last Borough of Culture year was in 2018, which saw a number of events and exhibitions held around St Helens - including the award-winning Lost Castles project in Victoria Square.

After being selected for the honour in 2023, organisers are keen to involve residents with a passion for the arts to help in the planning of the event.

Sessions - facilitated by St Helens Borough Council's Library Service - will be held at the iconic Citadel Theatre building and World of Glass Museum this week, where attendees can work in partnership with the council to begin planning.      

Cllr Anthony Burns (Image: St Helens Council)

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “We want 2023 to be developed and delivered collaboratively, building on the great creative work happening in St Helens by all our organisations, venues, artists, creative groups, musicians, dancers, writers, theatre practitioners, schools, colleges and other partners.     

“As a council which recognises the huge talent in our borough – from our very own award-winning Cultural Hubs programme to the many other artists and organisations here – we are committed to the arts.

"That’s why we’ve approved a five-year St Helens Borough Arts Strategy which will help ensure every resident can engage with the arts, support post Covid-19 recovery plans, as well as future regeneration projects.     

“Whether you love watching live music, theatre and dance; visiting art exhibitions, libraries and heritage sites - or just passionate about our wonderful borough – I’d encourage you to come down to these sessions to let us know what you think and how you want to be involved. " 

For full details about each session and to book a place click the links below: 

• Wednesday, July 13, 6pm - 8pm at The Citadel Theatre, book here. 
• Thursday, July 14, 10am - 12pm at The World of Glass, book here.   

If you can’t attend either session but would like to provide input, please register your interest with JamesValentine-Burrows@sthelens.gov.uk to be kept informed on future opportunities to get involved.