We funded a large community event around Longsight Arts Space last Sunday, to mark the King’s Coronation.
The event consisted of a Coronation street party and launched the first of the new monthly markets, offering an array of food and crafts both inside and outside the Arts Space building situated in Longsight, Northmoor, one of our anchor communities.
This funding is part of our Greater Together Coronation Fund, provided by contractors Fortem Solutions, JSB Construction AB, M&R and Emanuel Whittaker.
The arts space itself recently opened in 2022, led by a non-profit visual art group, Proforma, which we selected to offer something new to the community in Longsight. Having embedded themselves into the community and hosted many engaging initiatives including workshops and a community park group, this special Coronation event and market launch is the latest in a series of successes.
The first of the new monthly markets included stalls from local venders Mumz Fix Kitchen, Cherish Design Crafts, Sustainable Northmoor Urban Greening (SNUG) and Priya’s Gifts and Bobs. Other attractions included a craft workshop and live music from DJs Shimrise and Amaka. This launch, joined with Coronation festivities, hopes to make its mark on the neighbourhood, and grow in popularity in the months ahead.
Creative Director of Proforma, Chris Bailkoski, who helped to organise the event, commented:
“Our event was extremely well received with members of the local community and councillors attending this first market. We had around 200 visitors throughout the day with markets ranging from local food suppliers, crafts and bookstalls with free badge and crown making workshops. As this was the launch of our regular monthly markets, we received a lot of support and interest in what we will offer at these future events.”
Commenting on the event, our Head of Community Investment, Rosie Longden, said:
“We’re proud of the impact the arts centre has had on the community in Longsight since it’s opened and it’s great to see it flourish. It’s exciting to see the launch of the new monthly markets, and what better way to begin these than with a celebration to bring everyone together.
“We want to thank our contractors who have helped make all of our community events to mark the King’s Coronation possible through social value. This is at the heart of what we do at Great Places and we’re grateful for this support.”
