‘Catalyst’ project to give Slough a new identity gets six-figure funding

Slough could become a ‘centre of creative energy’ through the launch of a new Cultural Revival Project.

This initiative by Slough Arts Forum and Arts Council England to ‘revive’ the town as a centre for creativity, innovation, and community engagement officially launches today (Tuesday).

Arts Council England’s Place Partnership Fund awarded the project £300,000 with additional support from Slough Borough Council and Slough Trading Estate owner SEGRO.

Project Lead, Rob Deeks, said the team is ‘genuinely optimistic’ that the project marks the beginning of ‘something truly special’ for the town.

Rob, who is also CEO of Slough youth-led charity Together As One, added: “There is a strong appetite among the invested in our town to see a flourishing arts and creative scene, particularly one that engages and uplifts our young people.

“Slough Cultural Revival has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for a vibrant cultural future for our town.”

The initiative supports the Slough Borough Council’s cultural strategy as part of its regeneration.

Arts Council England said Slough was chosen for its ‘potential for transformation’ and the investment is about ‘boosting the creative economy, and empowering communities to lead’.

The charity’s area director for the South East, Hazel Edwards, added: “We’re proud to support Slough’s Cultural Revival Project through our Place Partnership Fund.

“This investment recognises the town’s cultural potential and the energy of its community.

“By creating new opportunities for artists, young people, and underrepresented groups, the project embodies our commitment to place-based investment that champions creativity, inclusion and local pride.

“It’s an exciting step toward making Slough a hub for cultural innovation and collaboration.”

Slough’s Cultural Revival Project aims to drive change in how arts and culture are delivered and sustained in the town, for economic growth, talent development, and social cohesion.

The Slough Cultural Revival Project will transform underused spaces and develop local artists, producers, and creative professionals.

The project will also deliver an inclusive programme of performances, workshops, and public art, and expand opportunities for young people and underrepresented communities.

Slough Arts Forum co-chair and founder of Resource Productions, Dominique Unsworth, said the project will provide ‘infrastructure and visibility’ that artists, performers, and storytellers deserve.

“The Cultural Revival is about celebrating who we are while building a future we can all be proud of,” she added.

Viva Slough director Vineet Vijh added: “The Slough Cultural Revival Project is more than a series of events. It’s a catalyst for a new identity for Slough — where art, wellbeing, creativity, and opportunity meet.”

Other delivery partners include Amina Khayyam Dance Company, Art Classes Group, Artswork, Asian Star Radio, Beat Routes, Creative Academy, Creative Lives, The Dionysus Ensemble, Museums Partnership Reading, Norden Farm, Salt Hill VR, Srishti Yuva Culture, Slough Museum, Slough Music Service, SWIPE, The Arts Excite CIC and Youth Engagement Slough