The Gloucester Culture Trust has secured £1.5 million for an arts project

A city has secured £1.5 million to fund a “transformative” three-year cultural arts programme.

The Gloucester Culture Trust has received £500,000 from Arts Council England for the Together Gloucester project, along with £450,000 from Gloucester City Council and £550,000 from other partners.

A “Citizens Committee” will be formed to help decide how to spend the money.

Gloucester's “unique identity” will be explored on the program throughout the year.

Phil Hindson, chief executive of the Gloucester Culture Trust, a charitable organisation, said the Together Gloucester project had been “two years in the making”.

“The really exciting thing is I don't know what it's going to look like,” he said.

“We want this program to reflect the huge diversity of the city, so people can see their experiences, their lives, and what they care about.

He added: “At the Culture Trust we know that what makes a place truly unique and special are the people of Gloucester, so we will put communities at the heart of cultural decision-making.”

The full public program will include new funding opportunities, talent development programs, community events, and skills training, to generate job opportunities and improve the local economy.

Phil Gibby, director of the South West Arts Council, added: “Gloucester is a priority place for us.”

“It is a place where, historically, fewer people have been involved in arts and culture, and Arts Council England has not invested as much money as it would have liked over the years.

“Making Gloucester a thriving city where culture plays a fundamental role in how we work, live and play is an ambition we all share.”

Together Gloucester's first funding opportunity will be announced in the next few months.