New arts website 'Rochdale Creates' launched with enthusiastic backing from local leaders and artists

Local businesses, artists, politicians, and residents gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the launch of a brand new arts website for Rochdale borough.

Rochdale Creates, described as “by creatives, for creatives” allows the local community to showcase events, access employment, training, and funding opportunities, and features a comprehensive 'What’s On' guide for the local arts scene. 

The "long needed" website was made possible through funding from Arts Council England and DCMS via Rochdale's CDF2 Project. 

It was delivered by the culture and placemaking team at the RDA (Rochdale Development Agency) and is managed by Rochdale-based Sound Roots.

Councillor Sue Smith, portfolio holder for communities and co-operation, delivered a passionate speech on the transformative power of arts and culture and their impact on the borough's prosperity.

 

 

Councillor Smith said: “Arts and culture are critical to the success of any place and in Rochdale we are blessed with an abundance of artists, supportive organisations and spaces that allow the benefits of the arts to be realised.

"Rochdale Creates is another string to our bow to shout even louder about what we have to offer. We will continue to provide rich creative learning opportunities to help build confidence, resilience and skills in not just the next generation of Rochdalians but all Rochdalians”. 

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed was also at the event and urged everyone in the room to sign up to the website and help the borough of Rochdale to tell the world what an amazing place Rochdale is to live, work, play and visit. 

Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency, said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome you all to the launch of Rochdale Creates. 

 

 

“More than just a directory, it’s a fantastic online resource, a digital meeting place to help connect the sector, share training, employment and commission opportunities, develop new collaborations and as importantly share with our local residents all the fantastic work created.”

Rochdale Creates is the go-to platform for makers, writers, filmmakers, designers, musicians, artists, photographers, and tech wizards in Rochdale borough. 

Visit the website here: https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/