Culture Chelmsford and local students shine a spotlight on our cultural journeys
Culture Chelmsford and students from Chelmsford College, Sandon School, and Writtle University College have this week launched a campaign encouraging individuals and organisations across Chelmsford to get the city talking about culture.
Cultural Strategy will put Chelmsford on the map
The independent charity, Culture Chelmsford, will shortly be launching the first Cultural Strategy to be published in the district. The ten-year vision has been co-developed through conversations and workshops with stakeholders and communities across Chelmsford. It will embed culture at the heart of the city’s ambitions for growth and wellbeing.
The strategy will be for everyone in Chelmsford. It aims to provide a clear direction for the city’s cultural plans, connect Chelmsford’s diverse communities, stimulate the economy, and improve our health and wellbeing. It will celebrate Chelmsford’s natural and built environment, and connect the city to the wider county, country, and world. Putting Chelmsford firmly on the map.
Chelmsford’s students share what culture means to them
The campaign launched with a series of creative responses shared by local students. Culture Chelmsford commissioned students from Chelmsford College, Sandon School, and Writtle University College to share what culture means to them. More than 40 performing arts, visual arts and media students took part, each with their own interpretations using dance, film, theatre and drawing.
Working with Culture Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council, and the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), the students expressed their responses in diverse ways. Performing arts students from Sandon School showcased their creativity in a performance at the newly refurbished Chelmsford Theatre. Writtle University College students created visual depictions of what culture means to them. Media students from Chelmsford College created a digital project to share the creative stories of Chelmsford people. All of these creative observations will be shared digitally over this month on social media channels.
Share your cultural experiences
As part of the digital campaign, media students from Chelmsford College need your support. In preparation for the publication of Chelmsford’s Cultural Strategy, we’re asking you to share your most memorable creative experiences.
The campaign tells the creative stories of Chelmsford’s people. How cultural experiences have changed lives, forged connections, helped through difficult times, or made us feel alive.
The students will be interviewing people across Chelmsford over the coming month to produce a series of short clips for social media. They’re asking everyone to share a favourite memory of a creative experience that has stayed with them and made a lasting impression. Whether it’s big moments or small ones, we want to hear how it felt when you saw your favourite band live, when you did your first ollie on a skateboard, or when your Gran helped you knit your first jumper.
We want you to record your creative experiences. You could make a film, create an image, generate an animation, record a song, or write about how the encounter made you feel. Upload your memories on social media using the hashtag #ourculturaljourney and tag Culture Chelmsford in your posts.
Claire Gevaux, CEO of Culture Chelmsford said:
“Creative experiences are powerful; they can define who we are, determine who we make lifelong friends with, and help us make sense of the world around us. Sharing our memories and experiences is what connects us as humans. We encourage everyone to get involved as we join together to make Chelmsford’s cultural future a reality and realise our city’s full potential.”
Cllr Marie Goldman, Chelmsford City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford said:
“I’m delighted that young people are at the heart of this campaign to encourage people in Chelmsford to share their creative memories. It signifies an inclusive approach to Chelmsford’s future, encouraging and empowering young voices to take the lead. I look forward to the publication of Chelmsford’s first cultural strategy, which will provide a renewed focus and direction for the city's cultural ambitions.”
David Warnes, Principle of Chelmsford College said:
“We are delighted to have a live work experience opportunity for our students and are excited to be sharing their work over the coming weeks. Chelmsford College is supportive of a creative vision and strategy for Chelmsford, which will help generate clear pathways into the creative sector and increase opportunities to boost creative talent.”
Professor Tim Middleton, Vice-Chancellor of Writtle University College, said:
“Cultural experiences bring people and communities together. Chelmsford’s new strategy allows young people to celebrate inclusivity and diversity while sharing their own creative talents. At Writtle University College we’re delighted to be contributing to a project that will shape the future of our city.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
For more information, please contact Cherelle Nightingill, Communications Officer at cherelle.nightingill@chelmsford.gov.uk or on 01245 606982.
Culture Chelmsford believes in the power of creativity to change lives, transform our city and improve our wellbeing. Since 2017, the independent charity has worked with arts organisations, schools, theatres, and the city’s creatives to turn ideas into real projects. On behalf of the city, Culture Chelmsford is leading the development of the district’s first Cultural Strategy and an ambitious 10-year vision that will tell the stories of Chelmsford for the world to hear.
Chelmsford College is a general Further Education college offering a variety of vocational and professional courses. The college was founded in 1962 and is based in Moulsham Street and Princes Road, Chelmsford.
Sandon School is an 11-18 years mixed comprehensive school of 1,275 students in Sandon, Chelmsford. The school has a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted and holds various awards including the prestigious Gold Artsmark.
Writtle University College was established in 1893 in Writtle, Chelmsford, and is one of the oldest specialist institutions in the UK. It offers a range of land-based, animal and sport courses at various levels of academic study including Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Further Education, Short Courses and Apprenticeships. Writtle University College was ranked top university provider in the East of England for overall student satisfaction with teaching.
Chelmsford’s Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) is delivered by Chelmsford City Council and Culture Chelmsford with partnership investment from Royal Opera House Bridge with funding from Arts Council England. The vision is to build on Chelmsford’s heritage of innovation, providing all children and young people with cultural and creative opportunities that broaden their horizons and support them to reach their potential.
Social media tags: #ourculturaljourney
Facebook: CultureChelmsford
Instagram: culture_chelmsford1
Twitter: @CultureChelmsf1
Tiktok: @culturechelmsford
