Last week Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire, visited Our Place, a groundbreaking cultural programme bringing creative opportunities to communities across Herefordshire. Through participatory arts, the programme fosters health and wellbeing, strengthens local identity, and increases access to the arts.
The event took place at Artlandish, a creative hub in Hereford city centre that transforms empty shops into dynamic spaces for exhibitions, interactive events, and creative workshops.
Nic Millington, Chair of Herefordshire Cultural Partnership, introduced Our Place, outlining its vision to embed the arts across Herefordshire’s urban, rural, and market town communities - serving as both a blueprint for the future and a showcase of what’s possible.
Jane Hearst, Midlands Creative Health Associate at the National Centre for Creative Health, also spoke about the unique role of creativity in supporting health and wellbeing. Also in attendance was Peter Knott, Arts Council England, Midlands Area Director.
During the visit, Ellie experienced some of the work that has been created to date through Our Place, including powerful films capturing the community spirit in South Wye and Leominster, as well as a hands-on collaging activity showcasing creative expression in the Golden Valley.
Our Place is an ongoing programme with another two years of activity bringing live performance, digital and visual art to communities across Herefordshire. There will be workshops, exhibitions and public events, as well as opportunities for artists and creatives to learn more about delivering creative health projects in Herefordshire.
Our Place is supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and match funding from Herefordshire Council under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and public health funding, as well as from Hereford City Council.
For more information, to take part, or to explore professional development opportunities, visit www.the-shire.co.uk/our-place or email ourplace@the-shire.co.uk.
Photo Credit: R Farkas.