ART groups hope to secure a grant worth more than £1 million to improve cultural life in Swindon.

Arts Council England is awarding four-year grants to towns with a lack of cultural activities.

The Creative Swindon Network, a group made up of local organisations, community groups and individuals, is encouraging the public to take part in shaping new art activities.

Member Allie Brown said: “It is a huge amount, which could be transformative for Swindon and give people access to a wide range of activities.

“The great thing about this scheme is that it puts the power and decision making in the hands of the public.

“The public and community groups suggest what kind of activities they’d like to see, rather than artists and arts organisations telling people what they think they want.

“It also means that rather than activities being concentrated in the town centre, activities could happen more in local communities, which is what people are telling us what they want.”

Along with the ACE, Creative Swindon Network is organising an information talk to inform people and help prepare an application for the March 2020 deadline.

Allie said: “The event is an opportunity for you to find out how the grant could support you in transforming your community, putting power in the hands of local people and giving them a real say in the arts and culture in your local area.”

Arts Council England plans to allocate around £39 million across the country between 2020-24.

“The benefits of the arts are well known,” said Allie.

"Swindon has a rich history of arts and culture, starting with the Mechanics' Institute, which put on plays and concerts by and for railways workers to the huge number of performing arts schools currently in the town."

She added: “There are loads of activities happening in Swindon, with gigs and plays and festivals on all year round.

"But the public tell us it’s hard to know what’s happening and even organisers they’d like bigger audiences, so there’s a disconnect somewhere. We want to help promote the arts to help fix this.”

Anyone can attend the meeting including community groups, artists and arts organisations, businesses and individuals.

The event, which is free to attend, will take place on Wednesday, January 22 from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at the council chamber on Euclid Street.

Creative Swindon Network is running a survey so the public can share their opinions. Anyone interested should go to https://forms.gle/sPY2gagCeNWPJ7fi9.

For further information visit www.facebook.com/events/801615577004871/