Arts Council England has announced a £1million in National Lottery funding over the next three years for GDIF’s sister project, Global Streets, which seeks to take similar world-class outdoor arts events and experiences away from London and into communities across the country.
Global Streets is a 12-partner national network that works together to bring outdoor arts events of international acclaim to communities that are culturally underserved. The partners are focused on working with local people to deliver free, spectacular international productions which lift the community’s spirit and bring people together. Since 2015, Global Streets has delivered more than 280 performances of 41 productions, together reaching 810,000 audience members and participants. Now, thanks to further investment from the Arts Council, the project can continue its great work in delivering exceptional creative experiences to these communities.
The 2023-26 programme will be supported by hyper-local audience development, a strengthened focus on both access and place-based evaluation, and significant and measurable steps forwards made by the organisations involved in reducing their CO2 emissions whilst touring internationally. Bradford Council will also be added to the network, working strategically with the other partners to support their 2025 City of Culture year.
Upcoming productions over the next three-year period will include immersive light installations, participatory productions for children and families and events engaging local people in climate change. With many people struggling in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, Global Streets’ free programme of locally rooted and internationally connected outdoor arts has never felt more urgent, in providing moments of togetherness, joy and reflection that can uplift and sustain communities through difficult times.
