£90,000 boost to bring more live arts into Blackburn with Darwen libraries

Libraries across Blackburn with Darwen are set to host more live arts and creative activities after the area secured £90,000 of Arts Council England funding.

Blackburn with Darwen Libraries, Blackpool Libraries and local arts organisation Culturapedia are working together on the new two-year programme, which will bring theatre, music, poetry, art and craft sessions into community venues.

The scheme builds on previous music and theatre events delivered through Culturapedia’s Spot On Lancashire programme.

It also comes as local library spaces continue to expand, including the new Blackburn Market Arts Centre, which opened over the summer and combines a library, performance space and Lancashire’s smallest art gallery.

Planning is already under way, with the first events expected over the coming months. Once announced, they will be ticketed and heavily subsidised.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “This is fantastic news for our libraries and adds to the already brilliant offer they provide to our residents.

“To be able to offer additional creative activities, as well as live dance and music touring performances and theatre productions at reduced costs, right here in Blackburn with Darwen puts these experiences within closer reach for many of our residents while supporting our town centres too.

“And this announcement is timely as King George’s Hall has also just reopened following a £13.5m transformation meaning there’s even more for our residents to see and do right on their doorsteps with a packed programme of live music and performances.

“I look forward to seeing the full programme of events launch soon.”

Sue Robinson, Co-Director of Culturapedia, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with Blackburn with Darwen libraries and build on our new relationship with the team in Blackpool. By working together we can ensure more people in the borough can find an affordable event or creative activity they enjoy on their doorstep.

“In the last year we have brought shows to all the libraries in the borough, as well as both the markets. Our Market Arts Space is a partnership between Culturapedia, the libraries and the markets teams. Keep an eye on our websites and socials to find out what’s coming next!”

The new programme will sit alongside the wider offer already available through Blackburn with Darwen Libraries, with events and activities listed on the new BwD Libraries website.

The what’s on guide includes regular crafting, sewing and knitting groups, IT courses and drop-in sessions, coffee, chat and brew groups — including groups for men — plus reading groups.

There are also sessions for babies and young children, including Lego clubs, Read, Rhythm and Rhyme and story times.

Library members can also use free digital resources, including the BorrowBox app for audiobooks, e-books, newspapers and magazines.

Details of the new live arts programme will be added to the website once finalised, along with the Discover Darwen and Discover Blackburn pages.

The Arts Council England funding will also support local artist development, community-led residencies and training opportunities for library staff and volunteers.

For more information about Blackburn with Darwen Libraries, upcoming events and the monthly e-newsletter, visit https://bwdlibraries.com/library-information/library-newsletter/.