Weymouth Bid invited the directors of Bounce Back Arts to meet with them, together with business owners and community group WeyProgress, to review how other BIDs in the UK have stimulated the economy through arts projects.
The meeting was held on 28th March where Bounce Back Arts directors, Nicky Whittenham, Jan Biggs and Paul Atterbury presented the merits of including arts projects in Business Improvement District business plans to the group. Claudia Moore, Chief Operating Officer said “I really enjoyed the presentation, Weymouth has a rich history and its architecture is admired around the world. I learnt a lot from the presentation and I look forward to working more with Bounce Back”.
Nicky Whittenham – Founding Director of Bounce Back Arts – said: “With internet shopping sounding the death knell for high streets across the country Weymouth is in desperate need of an alternative ‘offer’. A high quality, cultural environment – which matches that of the Borough’s outstanding natural environment – will help boost the area’s local economy and encourage visitors to return, again and again. Bounce Back is working with other community partners to develop a cultural vision for the town. The organisation uses robust commissioning processes to engage experienced artists’ in the design of high quality public places, based upon the aspirations of the community. It’s all about creating a contemporary celebration of our rich, local heritage which, attracts a new demographic of culture tourist to the area. I was delighted that Paul Atterbury, was able to join us for the presentation today, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organisation and we are fortunate to have him on board.”
Paul Atterbury – Bounce Back Arts Director, Weymouth resident, writer, broadcaster and BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter- said: “Weymouth is a sleeping giant in terms of architecture. It has got so much more to give than just being seen as a bucket and spade resort and we must not forget that within the Borough of Weymouth & Portland, Portland is the place that made the city of London with its famous Portland stone. What we would really like to do is develop a sense of place based on Weymouth and Portland’s history and then build a campaign around creating reasons to visit Weymouth. Paul went on to say: “We recently visited the Turner Contemporary museum in Margate, with a view to attracting a major cultural partner (Tate Galleries, in Margate’s case), to develop a similar collaboration for Weymouth.”
The Weymouth BID and Bounce Back Arts are planning to involve Weymouth businesses and the wider community in the development of future projects.
The Weymouth BID Board continues to look for new directors and steering group members to come forward from the business community to ensure that a good cross section of business sectors are represented on the board, in particular they are looking for representation from independent retail businesses and the service sector.
Anyone interested should apply to [email protected] or contact the BID Office on 01305 779410.
Meeting Attendees:
Graham Perry – Weymouth Museum
Linda Perry – The Bridge Fair Trade Shop
Ed Warr – Weymouth Town Centre Manager
Rex Johnson – Rex Johnson Furniture Design
G Moore – Gardia Photography
Sarah Whiteside – Artside and WeyProgress
Gail Franks – No98 Boutique Hotel
Andy Cooke – Ayya
Claudia Moore – Weymouth BID
Julie Cleaver – Popcorn Marketing ( not photographed)
