Fish Factory Arts CIC in Penryn Receives £50,500 Boost for Community and Culture Projects

Fish Factory Arts CIC in Penryn has been granted £50,500 from Cornwall Council to enhance community engagement and accessibility within their multi-use space.

Expanding Community Engagement

Fish Factory Arts CIC, a vibrant arts centre located in Penryn, is celebrating a significant financial boost with a £50,500 Community Levelling Up grant awarded by Cornwall Council. This funding, sourced from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Community Levelling Up Programme (CLUP), aims to enhance the centre’s facilities and broaden its community reach.

The grant will facilitate substantial upgrades to the Community Café area, improving not only the physical space with better seating and accessibility features but also the scope of activities offered. These enhancements will make the café a more welcoming space for the community and increase the centre’s capacity to host various programmes, particularly those involving food and skill sharing.

Creating Opportunities and Jobs

In addition to infrastructural improvements, the funding will create three new part-time positions, crucial for expanding the range of programmes available to local residents. These roles are expected to increase outreach efforts and participation in the centre’s workshops, which focus on culinary arts and practical skills.

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for the economy, highlighted the importance of the arts centre in making cultural activities accessible. He noted, “This inclusive and much-loved arts space will be able to inspire the community to get involved with creativity, the arts and activities within their own locality, making culture more accessible to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.”

Part of a Larger Effort

This grant is part of Cornwall’s broader initiative under the Good Growth Programme, facilitated by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within the region. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly have been allocated £132 million for local investment, focusing on creating opportunities that enhance community well-being and economic stability.

The Community Levelling Up Programme specifically targets projects that address local needs and work towards eradicating deprivation across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With £7.6 million available for community projects, the programme aims to make a significant impact on the local communities by 2025.

Looking Ahead

With this new funding, Fish Factory Arts CIC is set to become an even more integral part of the Penryn community, providing residents with enhanced access to cultural and creative activities. The project promises to not only beautify and improve existing facilities but also to enrich the community’s social and cultural fabric through inclusive programmes and new employment opportunities.

For more details on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Community Levelling Up Programme, visit their website.