Art trail transforms Grantham into a rolling exhibition

The whole of Grantham is becoming an art gallery – and residents are being asked to play their part.

A project to share the beauty and creativity of art is under way at venues across the town, including the Leader’s office at South Kesteven District Council.

Grantham Creates was awarded £4,965 towards the initiative from the SKDC Community Fund to organise and produce community and amateur artwork displays in empty units and shop windows.

The idea of Grantham as a Gallery is to add to the amount of display space already available in the town.

Darren Whiting, the force behind Grantham Creates, said: “We have agreed with local shops and businesses to show art in many forms including 3D models, paintings and prints.

“This will allow people to see what can be created by local amateur and professional artists and community groups that have been working across the area.”

Those taking part in this long-term project to promote a trail of creativity and encourage public participation include Darren’s Union Street Gallery, Bhive, Grantham Museum, Pendulum Gaming, The George Centre, Kitchen & Coffee, The Reading Room, who have given over window space.

Models for Heroes and Outwood CIC will have also been involved in creating the artwork.

SKDC Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “Art should be for everyone. People will be able to see how it brings colour and life to the streets of Grantham and I’m pleased to be able to take part by inviting people into the council offices to see what’s here.

“I’ve borrowed this huge canvas, now on public display here at South Kesteven House in the heart of Grantham, which people can see up close if there are no meetings in progress.

“I hope we see more and more of this relatable, uplifting and colourful art from our local artists scattered across Grantham, and further across the district in due course.”

The grant will fund multiple display stands to display the art, a projector to increase the size of the piece of art to allow more people to see it on display, a printing press to create articles and allow them to fill window displays. Many of those taking part in displays will also join in the making process.

Grants of up to £5,000 from SKDC’s Community Fund are available to constituted community groups and charities, with a smaller grants scheme offering up to £2,000. The programme has so far helped groups with funding exceeding £782,000.

The next funding round closes for applications in May: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/communityfund

Enquiries and application forms are available from: communityfund@southkesteven.gov.uk

To participate in creating art, or to offer display space, please drop into the Union Street Gallery in Grantham.

The artwork on loan to Cllr Baxter’s office is “Welder”, a mixed media relief painting.