Artist Joey Lowe<\/p>\n
Regardless of the competition results, Joey feels passionate there should be a \u2018face for the town\u2019 and what it promotes artistically.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI think the town of culture bid would be a brilliant idea. Do I think we\u2019ll win? It would be nice to.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether we win it or not, I think we should be creating a community arts and culture scene, and then it doesn’t matter if we win or not because we can continue it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will still be a part of the DNA in our town.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve put my name forward for that position and offered my services \u2013 I\u2019m happy to do it if it benefits people and the town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nationally, the high street has been struggling. Can Spalding buck the trend?<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the Government asked towns across the country to enter a competition to be crowned \u2018Town of Culture\u2019<\/a> in 2028 \u2013 when the winner will be awarded \u00a33 million to deliver a cultural programme for around six months.<\/p>\n The two finalists from each category will also receive \u00a3250,000 each to deliver key elements of their bid.<\/p>\n Led by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the competition aims to celebrate the culture and identity of towns across the UK.<\/p>\n A final decision on which town has won is expected to be made next year.<\/p>\n In recent years abstract artist Joey, has continued his fight for greater support for the town\u2019s art scene<\/a>, by organising successful art exhibitions<\/a> at The Sessions House \u2013 where owners provide the space free of charge.<\/p>\n Off the back of this, he has given upcoming artists a \u2018leg up\u2019 in the industry \u2013 as some creators have gone on to display their work at galleries in London, become college lecturers in art and design and start their own businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cThese exhibitions are helping people and changing their lives. It means that something is working,\u201d Joey added.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be great if we could open up that dialogue between all the different art groups and societies in Lincolnshire and South Holland.<\/p>\n \u201cThere’s no reason why we can\u2019t introduce someone who is a cultural or creative ambassador for the town who can be the central point – if everyone could come together and reach out to one another, the amount of projects that could happen would be brilliant.\u201d<\/p>\n If Joey is successful and gains the position to represent Spalding\u2019s culture and art scene, he hopes to encourage representatives from community groups to collaborate and establish a forum.<\/p>\n The Spalding-based artist also feels passionate for the area to attract creatives and not push them away.<\/p>\nBusinesses can vote on whether they want a BID or not<\/p>\n
The BID aims to raise \u00a31 million over five years<\/p>\n