New plan aims to turn Trafford into a 'creative factory'

That’s the aim for Trafford according to the Council’s new Cultural Strategy, signed off by its Executive yesterday.

The strategy also revealed plans to create an online site to promote Trafford’s creative output, with communities being championed and supported to develop their artistic works.

Trafford Council is also considering a bid to become Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture to providing impetus to the activation of the cultural strategy.

Cllr Cath Hynes, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, said:

“We have amazing talent here in our borough. We have award-winning animators, fantastic artists, theatres and libraries, as well as a history of great musicians.

“This strategy is about capturing all that is good and making sure new talent can come through and be supported.”

The strategy reveals that many organisations are creating and presenting cultural programmes across Trafford, but there is currently no single place where these are promoted.

An online Trafford listings platform – called Trafford Is… – will therefore be built to promote the offer. The web platform will be a comprehensive Trafford-wide online events listings platform with digital channels and services to showcase and promote the cultural events and activities taking place in the borough.

The strategy noted that the launch is taking place at a challenging time, with a need to have successful grant applications to secure funding.

However, the cultural offer has already had a number of successes, including securing museum status for the archive of Cosgrove Hall, creators of much-loved animations like Danger Mouse and Wind In The Willows.

Cllr Hynes said:

“We know finances are stretched but culture is so important. It helps define our identity. By harnessing the power of culture, we can make Trafford a centre of talent that drives our economy forward and gives all our residents the chance to create and enjoy culture.”