READING Borough Council has begun the next stage of its funding for cultural projects which celebrate the history of Reading’s high streets.
A number of local artists are set to receive two grants of £9,000, after applications for funding closed in January.
The funding will be split between Reside Dance, which provides accessible dance performances and workshops, and artists Lisa-Marie Gibbs and Philip Newcombe, whose projects explore and celebrate the heritage of Oxford Road communities.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I’m thrilled our brilliant High Street Heritage Action program continues to celebrate Reading’s rich diversity and tell the fascinating stories of the Oxford Road.
“The fabulous pilot projects launched last year have already begun to raise the profile of the area’s history and diversity, and I’m particularly looking forward to discovering where the next stage of the project will take us.”
Reside Dance will work with school children and their families as part of its ReConnect program, which seeks to provide space for families to reconnect and build relationships through play, movement, and dance.
Visual artists Lisa-Marie Gibbs and Philip Newcombe will provide workshops with members of the Oxford Road community, using sculpture, sound, written pieces, and other art forms to examine the relationship between objects and identity.
The funding follows a pilot project with the High Street Heritage Action Zone, which received grants in 2021 as part of a pilot project in 2021.
The HSHAZ launched a project seeking to “re-imagine the high street” through the stories of their residents, which were then used as part of three art projects celebrating the community.
This included the work of Caroline Streatfield, who created a series of recipe cards featuring family recipes from Oxford Road residents.
It also included a series of illustrations by Jo Romero which focused on buildings along the road.
Louise Dandy, historic places adviser at Historic England, said:
“The Oxford Road has so much to offer.
“These two new projects will help bring out that special character of the high street, celebrate the stories of people that live or work nearby, and strengthen bonds within the community.”
