Arts sector's adjustment to new reality is 'inspiring' - Yvette Huddleston

This gem of a venue went into administration in March and, with the added devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, its future looked pretty bleak but now Arts at the Mill CIC, with the support of Arts Council England and Calderdale Council, are officially the new owners.

The Wigan-based non-profit arts organisation – which has three other cultural organisations in its portfolio including Wigan’s Royal Court Theatre – is committed to creating, producing and programming work with and for the local community.

The team at Square Chapel are currently busy consulting, planning and putting together a world-class programme in preparation for reopening in line with government guidelines as soon as possible. It can once again take its place at the heart of Halifax’s cultural life.

This news comes in the same week that Arts Council England published two new reports highlighting the vital role that arts and culture play in supporting the local, and national, economy – and, with talk of the high street desperately needing regeneration in the wake of Covid-19, the significant contribution – financial, social and cultural – they make to the success of our towns, cities and communities.

The way in which the arts and culture sector has quickly adapted to the new reality that has emerged as a result of the pandemic has been impressive and so inspiring – though perhaps not surprising given the fact that creative people are, by definition, creative.

This kind of ‘outside the box’ way of thinking is going to be crucial in all areas of life in the coming months and years. And where does it come from? My firm belief is this: through engagement with, and participation in, the arts.

That is why arts education is so important and why instead of sidelining subjects such as drama, music, literature and art, they should be valued and invested in. It would be so shortsighted to do otherwise.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson