Harlow recently had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from Arts Council England, including Hazel Edwards, Area Director for Southeast England, Claire Toogood, Senior Relationship Manager for Southeast, and Cath Willmore, Theatre Relationship Manager and Place Lead for Harlow. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening Harlow’s cultural landscape and fostering new opportunities for artistic growth and community engagement.
The day started with a warm welcome from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Dan Swords, who highlighted the town’s vibrant cultural scene and its potential for future development. Discussions centred around key opportunities in Harlow, including the Playhouse Quarter – Harlow Arts and Cultural Quarter, the development of a comprehensive cultural strategy, and the impactful work of the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) Harlow Creates.
Following the discussions, the delegation embarked on a short tour of Harlow, visiting notable cultural landmarks such as the Harlow Museum, the iconic Barbara Hepworth sculpture, Contrapuntal Forms, and the Gibberd Gallery, where they met with the resident artist, staff, and trustees from Harlow Arts Trust. This tour underscored the rich artistic heritage and the dynamic cultural environment of Harlow.
The afternoon session brought together Harlow’s cultural leaders for an engaging activity session facilitated by Rhiannon Faith. This session explored Harlow’s cultural landscapes and partnerships, fostering a collaborative spirit among the participants. The day concluded with a screening of “Harlow Cares” by the Rhiannon Faith Company, followed by a Q&A session with the Harlow Care Project Steering Group, providing valuable insights into the project’s impact on the community.
Rory Davies, Playhouse Artistic Director: “The visit from Arts Council England was a remarkable opportunity to showcase Harlow’s cultural vibrancy and the collaborative efforts driving our artistic initiatives. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and support from our visitors, and we look forward to building on this momentum to further enrich Harlow’s cultural landscape.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of the Council: “This visit has been incredibly exciting for Harlow. We are moving at pace to establish Harlow as the best town in the UK and a premier cultural destination. The growth and development we are witnessing in our cultural sector are truly remarkable, and we are committed to continuing this journey. Harlow is on the map as a hub of artistic excellence, and the future looks brighter than ever. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the cultural leaders and council officers involved in organising this visit.”
