News: ROAR secure some of the People's Millions for Rotherham

Despite losing a public vote last week, Rotherham will still receive £50,000 due to being the highest scoring runner up.

Rotherham Open Arts Reniassance (ROAR) was one of eight projects in Yorkshire bidding for the People's Millions Big Lottery Fund Programme and polled over 2,000 votes.

The funding will help ROAR create a dedicated arts space in Rotherham town centre, converting 5,000 square feet of empty office space into low cost artists studios and community space – suitable for workshops and temporary events – accessible to all.

ROAR identified the top floor of Westgate Chambers in Rotherham town centre as a suitable site. Close to the mini arts hub in the Imperial Buildings and next to the newly developed Old Market, (the ground floor of which is currently being used for exhibitions and events), the site offers fantastic opportunities to enlarge the independent artistic offer for Rotherham.

Chief Executive for ROAR Karen Sherwood said: "I'm delighted that Rotherham has still been awarded the money – this means the town centre is still a winner and it's thanks to those of you who voted, Rotherham Borough Council and partners for all of their support.

"The money will make a significant difference to the town and its community. Growing the arts and cultural offer in these small centres is critical to differentiate them from competing areas.

"I hope the new arts space will draw people into using the town and give something back to those in the creative world wanting space to work, exhibit and sell from whilst encouraging beginners to take advantage of the opportunities that will soon be here within Rotherham."

ROAR website

Images: rotherhamroar.org