CREATIVE Tendring has been awarded £750,000 in funding to connect artists with communities.
The initiative is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places (CPP) scheme, which will see £42 million invested across 45 UK programmes from 2026 to 2029.
The programme aims to increase arts participation in areas where engagement is below the national average.
Martin Collins, chief executive and founder of Arts Trust Productions, said: "Creative Tendring is all about unlocking the potential that already exists within our communities.
"By working together, we can build a cultural future that truly belongs to the people of Tendring."
Hosted by Arts Trust Productions in partnership with Tendring Council, Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST), and the Harwich Festival, Creative Tendring will connect world-class artists with residents to celebrate what makes Tendring unique.
The programme, funded tanks to National Lottery players, will focus on tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing, and building confidence through creative activities.
The development phase begins in April 2026, with public events expected to launch in early 2027.
Gary Scott, councillor responsible for arts, culture and heritage at Tendring District Council, said: "This is a significant boost for the arts and creativity in our district.
"Creative Tendring is all about putting local people at the heart of arts and culture, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it will ignite creativity and pride within our communities.
"Championing the arts means more than just hosting great events; it’s about raising aspirations, opening doors and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive."
The programme will include community-led festivals, workshops, and public art projects, all designed and delivered with input from residents.
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Hazel Edwards, south east area director at Arts Council England, said: "Creative Tendring shows how community-led cultural investment can transform lives, by placing decision-making in the hands of local people and working with world-class artists.
"We are proud to support a partnership that is building a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem, one that will leave a lasting legacy for Tendring’s communities."
Peter Davis, artistic director of Harwich Festival, added: "We are so pleased that the Creative Tendring bid was successful and we are thrilled to be part of it."
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