Entertainment Swindon

Reach Inclusive Arts (Reach), a local charity who have been the leading light for inclusive arts in Swindon for more than forty years, are delighted to announce that they have been awarded an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant of over £90,000 to grow their bold programme of innovative and accessible creative activities over the next 15 months.

The funding will enable Reach to expand their ambitious portfolio of work alongside individuals who experience learning and physical disabilities, mental ill health, sensory impairment and social isolation. It will open up the world of inclusive arts to new and existing audiences, throughout Swindon and the surrounding area, by focusing on creating opportunities for individuals to collaborate with experienced and developing practitioners right in the heart of the community within which they live.

Established in 1983, Reach has regularly produced and been involved in a range of professional performances and exhibitions, including the renowned ‘Big Hat Cabaret’ that has been a feature of Swindon’s disability arts scene for almost twenty years.  Over the last two years alone, Reach’s Partners Theatre Company has toured to 8 venues with a production of an original drama, ‘To the Edge of the World’, and the Right Time for Art group has exhibited at the STEAM Museum as part of the Railway 200 celebrations and, last year, was commissioned to create the Mayor’s Christmas card. 

Building on this strong history of and reputation for professionally-produced cultural offerings, this new investment will see the return of ‘Big Hat Cabaret’ for the first time since 2023.  It will also provide the foundations for the creation of a brand-new Festival of Inclusion for Swindon, with Reach’s experience, expertise and knowledge leading the way in its development.

The investment comes at a crucial time for the charity and at an exciting time for the arts and culture in Swindon.  Jeni Burchell, Operations Manager for Reach Inclusive Arts said:

‘This level of funding is unprecedented and will be transformational for Reach.  It will enable us to build on the work that has already been completed and take our development to another level.  This means that more people who have disabilities will be able to experience the positivity, fun and opportunities that the arts can bring in a caring, nurturing environment where participants are truly at the heart of all activity.

As proud members of the Swindon Culture Collective and supporters of Swindon’s 2029 City of Culture bid, we are pleased to be making our own valuable contribution to the local arts and cultural scene with this investment from the Arts Council that will ensure inclusive arts and the talents of individuals with disabilities continue to shine.’

Sue Welsh, Arts Coordinator for Reach Inclusive Arts added:

‘Many participants have never experienced the arts before and, at Reach, we help people to develop their skills, try new activities and reach their own artistic goals.  We never compromise on quality – all of our activities are led by professional artists and directors – and we, our participants and practitioners, are all incredibly excited to be part of the next chapter in this wonderful organisation.’

Summer, Young Leader reflected that ‘This funding will help so many of our Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) participants to have a place to feel they can be themselves, in a world that hasn’t accepted them yet.  I have never felt like I belonged anywhere, then Reach came into my world and 4 years later I’m now doing things I thought I’d never in a million years do.  I am proud to be part of Reach’s team.’

Activity funded through this programme will begin in the coming months, with opportunities for participants, artists and volunteers to get involved being announced soon.  More information about the project and Reach Inclusive Arts will be shared online at www.reachinclusivearts.org.uk and on social media, @ReachInclusiveArts.