ARTS creatives in Warrington are being given a new way to connect and access a range of opportunities through the launch of a new project.

Warrington Borough Council is creating a database of experienced and emerging arts professionals of all disciplines who live, work or study in Warrington.

It aims to provide a valuable resource for local creatives, helping them to find the support that they need more easily, including commissions and longer-term work.

The launch of the database follows the release of a new Culture in Crisis report into the impacts of Covid-19 on the cultural sector.

The database will hold all information securely, so it can be used to communicate opportunities as they arise.

This includes work opportunities in and outside the town, upcoming cultural events, networking events and opportunities, funding or support, and opportunities to take part in discussions about future culture plans in Warrington.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member responsible for culture, said: “The impact of Covid-19 continues to have a detrimental effect on the creative sector, both nationally and locally.

“It is vital we do all we can to support arts and culture professionals as the sector continues on its road to recovery.

“This new database is an excellent way to keep creatives connected, as it will encourage networking and collaboration, highlight available funding and support, promote new work opportunities and much more.

“Warrington’s arts and culture community will be much stronger, now and in the future, if we work together.

“If you are a local individual or group who works in the creative sector, please get involved by signing up to our database.”

To sign up for the new creative practitioner database, visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/wbccreativepractitionerdatabase