In case you haven't heard the news.... The Exchange Creative Community took home the national Runner Up Award for England in the 2017 EPIC Awards. The awards, which are organised by Voluntary Arts, celebrate the achievements of voluntary arts groups across the UK by recognising skill, innovation and hard work that goes into their activities.
Being runner up for this award and recognised on a national scale has inspired us all down on West Street with fresh determination and drive. We have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months with bags of energy and enthusiasm - it's been really good to step back, take 5 and look at how far we have come and what we have achieved. It was a real privilege to attend the ceremony alongside some incredible people doing brilliant things up and down the country. Especially great to get Morecambe on the map!
It couldn't have come at a better time as we embrace the next chapter launching a community art studio and new community hub space with cafe, gallery&gift shop all in the pipeline.
We have also recently been successful in receiving further funding and support from Unlimited - The Foundation for Social Enterprise - 'Build It' award and in addition a community trade up program delivered in partnership by the School of Social Enterpreneurs and Power to Change. Good things are happening! The next 12 months are set to be a crucial time in our development and proving ourselves to be a self-sustaining, creative community enterprise based in the heart of Morecambe's West End.
A big thank you to all our local artists, makers, do-er's, movers, shakers and every day heroes - our 'Creative Community' that contribute to the life and soul of The Exchange in making it the thriving creative hub that it is. You have only proved that we are better together and together we can!
If you want get involved or support the project there are a number of ways you can. Our door is open Monday to Friday 10-4.30pm and once a month for second Saturdays. For the latest scoop find us on Facebook @exchangecic or get in touch hello@theexchangecic.co.uk
Thanks to The Visitor for their continued support and coverage following our success. A great little write up here regarding our win.