Year of Culture for city planned in 2022

Chichester District Council is making plans for the 2022 Year of Culture.

At a meeting of the cabinet in the new year, members will discuss the possibility of holding a range of events between March and October, 2022, celebrating the cultural and entertainment organisations within the district.

It will be something of a special year for some, with the Chichester Festival Theatre marking its 60th anniversary, the Novium Museum its 10th anniversary and the Chichester International Film Festival its 30th anniversary.

In a report to the cabinet, Sarah Peyman, divisional manager culture and sport, said: “Everyone is aware of the benefits culture can bring to communities in addition to the economic benefits that can be brought through tourism, employment and the economy.

“2022 offers an opportunity to celebrate and support the cultural organisations within the district which I believe is even more important now following the impact Covid has had on the cultural organisations as well as the local communities.

“This will give the district the opportunity to celebrate its cultural achievements whilst engaging more local people in a diverse range of activities and events.”

So far, the Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery have matchfunded £5,000 taken from the Chichester Vision budget to pay for a consultant to develop a project brief and explore possible funding.

The project itself is expected to cost up to £50,000, though it is hoped that money will be available from the Arts Council England and others to help foot the bill.

The rest could be taken from the council’s capital reserves.

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