Huge cash windfall set to bring Wigan Pier back to life

The Old Courts is one of 35 organisations to receive grants from the Greater Manchester Culture Fund, set up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to support cultural bodies across the county.

It will use the money to fund a host of events at the redeveloped Wigan Pier, where refurbishment work is currently under way.

Jess Rotherham, development manager for The Old Courts, said: “The investment from GMCA will be used to bring Wigan Pier back to life with artistic activity, such as shows, plays and other events that spill out of Wigan Pier to other places - big events that bring people together with a big focus on bringing every community together.

“We are looking at how we can attract not just local people, but people nationally, potentially internationally as well, because it’s got such a big name already.

“With the GMCA money we will have a focus on that community cohesion, so working with people from different cultures and groups around the borough to create parades, show and other things like that.”

She said the grant will be used to create jobs and provide opportunities for people to learn new skills.

Ms Rotherham said she was “really pleased” with the investment, which will come over two years.

Theatres, museums, festivals and cultural centres from across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester were given a boost thanks to the £8.6m investment.

Among those also getting a share of the funding are The Turnpike in Leigh and Wigan STEAM.

A collective of artists, scientists, engineers and creative technologists, Wigan STEAM will use its grant to continue a programme of cultural activity for young people and their families.

The Turnpike, which offers creative opportunities, commissions and free exhibitions, will develop new and innovative ways to broaden its reach and impact.

Coun David Greenhalgh, who is GMCA’s portfolio lead for culture, said: “The groups and organisations recognised here represent some of the very best Greater Manchester has to offer. They are a celebration of the diversity and dynamism of our cultural scene, which continues to produce outstanding talent and provide entertainment and education to our residents and visitors from around the world.

“Greater Manchester is a place like no other when it comes to culture, creativity and opportunity. Through the Culture Fund, we are reaffirming our commitment to the groups and institutions that are the lifeblood of our communities, and which contribute more than £1.4 billion to our economy every year.”

Alison McKenzie-Folan, chief executive of Wigan Council and GMCA’s chief executive lead for culture, said: “The variety of organisations represented here is a real indication of the rich cultural offer of Greater Manchester. I’m particularly pleased to see our excellent literary scene represented among this year’s recipients, which hail from all 10 boroughs of our city-region.”

“The Greater Manchester Culture Fund is about celebrating our world-leading cultural heritage, and supporting the historic institutions and grassroots community groups helping everyone to enjoy the arts, engage with local history, and develop new skills and talents.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, formerly MP for Leigh, said: “It feels like we have the best of both worlds here in Greater Manchester: a whole catalogue of internationally renowned artists and creatives, and a vibrant cultural scene right at the heart of our local communities.

“We want to this to be the best place to grow up, get on and grow old, and that means supporting the institutions and groups that enrich our places and create new opportunities in our vibrant, diverse economy.

“This portfolio properly recognises culture’s role in creating lively, liveable places and thriving communities, which is why we’ve increased our investment to support organisations in all 10 of our districts. This investment celebrates culture and creativity and makes sure they are visible and accessible across all our town and city centres.”