Nicholas Serota checks in with Culture Matson

Nic Serota stands in front of Matson Library holding his yellow Culture Matson folder.

Last week Culture Matson had its second visit from Sir Nicolas Serota, Chairperson of Arts Council England.

The first was back in 2018 when Culture Matson was just getting established. This time the group ‘got out the good biscuits’ before sitting down and talking through the journey they have been on in the last 5 years.

The core values of the group have not changed at all.

It remains a group deeply committed to building relationships and partnership working. And brings together individuals and organisations who live and work in Matson and want to bring Art and Culture into the everyday lives of their community.

What has changed is the formalisation of how this happens.

The group has co-created and formalised their way of working. This set of processes helps streamline decision making and has helped clarify their values. They have set up a community chest so that funds can be placed in a pot for everyone to apply for and which enables the community to access and have control over the resources they need for a vibrant art, culture and creativity offer. There are FAQs to clarify how this funding process works and how decisions are made. There is also a document that brings to life the principles and values the group share which was created by everyone involved. You can view and download these resources here.

Members took turns to share what this way of working means to them and the value it brings. From the support that comes from talking ideas through to collaborating on projects throughout the area. They then took a walk to Matson Library to meet the team. Check out the lively images of everybody sharing below.

We are all looking forward to seeing what the next 5 years can bring!

Read more about Culture Matson here.
Read more about the Community Chest and Culture Matson’s way of working here.

All Images © Thousand Word Media Ltd