Kick Up The Arts, an arts community project based in the heart of Melton Mowbray, launched on 27 November and ran until 3 December. The project was part of Creative Leicestershire’s Creative Spaces Project ‘Animated Leicestershire Towns’, funded by the National Lottery. In just over a week, the project welcomed over 200 people of all ages, who visited to take part in creative activities, meet resident artists and learn more about the project. A Meet and Greet event also invited over 20 local artists to connect and share knowledge.
Based in an empty shop in their local shopping centre, a team of artists’ joined forces to provide a welcoming and creative space for all. The shop was used to celebrate local artists in the town and showcase aspiring young artists in a Young Artist Exhibition. It was also used to provide dedicated workshops and creative drop-in sessions for people to learn creative skills and explore career opportunities.
Melton has needed a creative, warm and friendly space like this for so long - Thank you so much for making us so welcome and freedom to experiment with art. Person:Joan Smith, Business owner
A visitor shared their experience of seeing the Melton art space, and said “Melton has needed a creative, warm and friendly space like this for so long - Thank you so much for making us so welcome and freedom to experiment with art”.
The Project Lead Artist, Ellie Lovett said “We’re all so proud of what we have achieved. The project created real interest in the local area, and the feedback we received from visitors was so positive. When we closed our doors on the last day of the project, we knew that this wouldn’t be the end and it was clear that the community wanted creative outlets like this to remain as more of a permanent fixture in the local area for all to access. We know from what visitors have shared with us that this has been such an important space for many, in so many ways.”.
If you want to find out about the project, visit their Facebook page Kick Up The Arts Melton, where you will be able to explore the project and keep up to date on future plans for 2024. Also check out Ellie Lovett’s Instagram page.