Reach Inclusive Arts Secures Investment

Reach Inclusive Arts Secures Investment. RIA secures major Arts Council England investment in inclusive creativity.

Reach Inclusive Arts (Reach), are a local charity. They’ve been the leading light for inclusive arts in Swindon for more than forty years. They’re delighted to announce that they’ve awarded an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant of over £90,000. They’ve got it to grow their bold programme of innovative and accessible creative activities over the next 15 months.

The funding will enable Reach to expand their ambitious portfolio of work. All alongside individuals who experience:

• learning and physical disabilities
• mental ill health
• sensory impairment and social isolation. 

It’ll open up the world of inclusive arts to new and existing audiences, throughout Swindon and the surrounding area. And it’ll achieve this by focusing on creating opportunities for individuals to collaborate with experienced and developing practitioners right in the heart of the community within which they live.

1983

Established in 1983, Reach has often produced and had involvement in a range of professional performances and exhibitions. These include the renowned ‘Big Hat Cabaret’. That’s been a feature of Swindon’s disability arts scene for almost twenty years. 

Over the last two years alone, Reach’s Partners Theatre Company has toured to 8 venues with a production of an original drama, ‘To the Edge of the World’. And the Right Time for Art group has exhibited at the STEAM Museum as part of the Railway 200 celebrations. Further, last year, the Mayor commissioned them to create the Mayor’s Christmas card. 

Building on this strong history of, and reputation for professionally-produced cultural offerings, this new investment will see the return of ‘Big Hat Cabaret’. That’s its first time since 2023. It will also provide the foundations for the creation of a brand-new Festival of Inclusion for Swindon. That’ll use Reach’s experience, expertise and knowledge leading the way in its development. 

A crucial moment

The investment comes at a crucial time for the charity and at an exciting time for the arts and culture in Swindon. Jeni Burchell, Operations Manager for Reach Inclusive Arts said: 

‘This is an unprecedented level of funding that will be transformational for Reach.

It will enable us to build on the work that’s already completed and take our development to another level. This means that more people who have disabilities will be able to experience the positivity, fun and opportunities that the arts can bring in a caring, nurturing environment. One where participants are at the heart of all activity.

We’re proud members of the Swindon Culture Collective and supporters of Swindon’s 2029 City of Culture bid. In that, we’re pleased to be making our own valuable contribution to the local arts and cultural scene with this investment from the Arts Council. It will ensure inclusive arts and the talents of individuals with disabilities continue to shine.’

Sue Welsh, Arts Coordinator for Reach Inclusive Arts added:

‘Many participants have never experienced the arts before. And, at Reach, we help people to develop their skills, try new activities and reach their own artistic goals. We never compromise on quality. All our activities have professional artists and directors leading them. And we, our participants and practitioners, are all so excited to be part of the next chapter in this wonderful organisation.’

Summer, a young leader reflected that: ‘This funding will help so many of our Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) participants. They can have a place to feel they can be themselves, in a world that hasn’t accepted them yet. I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere. Then Reach came into my world and 4 years later I’m now doing things I thought I’d never in a million years do. I’m proud to be part of Reach’s team.’ 

Activity funded through this programme will begin in the coming months. Opportunities for participants, artists and volunteers to get involved are set to be announced soon. 

More information about the project and Reach Inclusive Arts will be online at www.reachinclusivearts.org.uk