On 17th January, I welcomed the fact that the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, told the House of Commons that Ipswich is a ‘model to follow’ for arts and culture other towns and cities across the country. This is a ringing endorsement for a local industry that, despite national challenges, seems to be going from strength to strength.
In November, I visited one of Ipswich’s shining cultural lights, Brighten the Corners, with the Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy. We were even lucky enough to see Suffolk’s greatest musical export, Ed Sheeran, perform a surprise concert for hundreds of Ipswich schoolchildren.
Our visit underlined the importance of building a creative pathway for children in Ipswich, with education, volunteering, and performing opportunities offered to every child - no matter their background.
I am delighted to see that the Government recognises the groundbreaking work being done here in Ipswich. The creative arts are crucial to a child’s education and must be accessible to everyone, and their reach must go far beyond the classroom - out into the community, and particularly into grassroots music venues here in our town.
When I was growing up in Suffolk, I could never have imagined that our county would be home to such an up-and-coming indie music scene. But, despite the challenges that remain, our town, especially organisations like Brighten the Corners, are leading the way nationally.
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