Culture Spark 2022 has officially launched with hundreds of people attending the First Spark launch events in Chichester, Selsey and Midhurst this week.
The three evening events, held on 29, 30 and 31 March, were filled with live music, dance, poetry, and art, and featured celebrated artists and performers from across the Chichester District.
Caroline Sharman-Mendoza, Creative Co-ordinator, says: “The First Spark events were fantastic, and I would like to thank everyone who helped make them a huge success — from all the incredible artists and performers, to everyone who came along to support them.
“I would also like to thank our Culture Spark sponsors, Stagecoach and Rathbones Group Plc for their support. As part of this, we were able to offer special discounts for people travelling to the First Spark events by bus.”
“Now that the season has officially launched, people can look forward to an outstanding calendar of large-scale events and community activities between now and October, including a number of free headline events called ‘Ignite’; a series of lantern processions across the district; and a special photographic exhibition celebrating the many dedicated volunteers in the district’s cultural sector.”
Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council, says: “The launch events were truly spectacular and a fantastic example of the exciting events and activities taking place this summer.
“Our district is home to a number of internationally renowned cultural organisations, many of which are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. Culture Spark is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate the rich and diverse range of cultural and heritage experiences in our area. Make sure you don’t miss anything by visiting the events programme at www.thegreatsussexway.org/culture-spark-2022/.”
Celebrations will be taking place to recognise 60 years of Chichester Festival Theatre; 40 years of Pallant House Gallery; 30 years of Chichester Cinema at New Park’s International Film Festival; 10 years of The Novium Museum and the Festival of Chichester; and even more impressively, 200 years of the Canal Trust! All of the organisations will be holding their own exciting events as part of the season to mark this special year.
Inspired by the anniversaries, Culture Spark will also bring people together to celebrate the district’s rich cultural offering and showcase work by the next generation of local creatives – thanks to initial investment into the project from Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery.
The full programme of events can be found at: www.thegreatsussexway.org/culture-spark-2022/
