Peabody and partners awarded £1 million from Arts Council England

Peabody has been awarded £1 million from Arts Council England as part of the Creative People and Places programme. ‘Made in the Estuary’,  is an embedded arts and cultural programme which aims to bring communities together within the Thamesmead and Bexley area.

This prestigious award has been granted to only 12 other projects in England in the 2019 – 2023 funding round, and focuses particularly in areas where people tend to engage less with arts and culture.

Keeping culture and diversity at the heart of Peabody’s regeneration plans in Thamesmead, this programme will help to unlock the huge creative potential of people in Thamesmead and North Bexley.

Collaborating for Creativity

The project is led by a collaborative partnership between Peabody, TACO! (local arts organisation), The Exchange (local community organisation) and Orbit Housing.

The four-year programme will deliver an impressive community cultural programme which aims to increase the development of community run platforms such as radio stations, festivals and workshops through commissioning and co-production by the Bexley and Thamesmead communities.

John Lewis, Executive Director Thamesmead, said:

“This award is an example of both great teamwork within Peabody, where different parts of the organisation came together to deliver this fantastic result, and collaboration with our external partners. There’s much untapped talent and enthusiasm for grass-roots cultural activity which enriches our communities. With local people and partners we look forward to playing our part in this cultural step-change for this unique part of London.”

Stephen Burns, Executive Director Care and Communities, said:

“This programme directly supports our vision and ambitions for Thamesmead by helping develop its cultural infrastructure, supporting our socio-economic programme and improving the day to day living experience for those living in Thamesmead and its surrounds.”

Peabody’s regeneration plans in Thamesmead are underway with the completion of 66 new homes at The Reach and the milestone for phase one of Southmere soon to be achieved. The ‘Made in Estuary’ project has come at a very exciting time and will empower people to shape the arts and cultural provision in their community.