Bracknell

Proposals for a £478,500 grant for the South Hill Park Arts Centre have been approved by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s Executive.

The grant is provided by Bracknell Council to ensure there is a venue where the community can access a wide range of arts.

The Council will be working with the centre over the next year to support longer term fundraising campaigns and increase the outreach work to encourage more borough residents to use the centre and take part in its activities.

It is expected about 240,000 people will have attended shows and events at the centre in the current financial year. Popular events have included the Mela, Unravel knitting project and the hosting of the Chinese State Circus in its grounds.

Over the coming year, it hopes to run a Black and Asian film festival and host performances from the Moscow State Circus.

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "We have enjoyed an long and successful relationship with South Hill Park Arts Centre and have watched with a sense of pride as it has grown in statute to be what it is today, a nationally recognised arts centre, here in the heart of Bracknell Forest.

"I am delighted the Council is continuing to support the centre and I urge people see the wide range of arts it has available."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council