Helping to support up-and-coming artists to develop their skills without fear of any financial risk
Katie Bennett, one of the Directors of Chichester Fringe in West Sussex, is one of 39
leaders across England selected for a competitive learning programme and grant of up to £5,000.
The Community Business Trade Up Programme is run by the School for Social
Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Power to Change. The programme supports people
improving their local communities through trade.
The programme will help Katie and fellow directors Simon O’Hea and Carol Webb to grow Chichester Fringe, which supports up and coming artists to develop their skills without fear of any financial risk to the performer themselves. It is a unique strategy, that sets Chichester Fringe apart from other festivals. Chichester Fringe’s main aim is create accessible opportunities in the arts for everyone, whatever their age!
Speaking in the Sussex Express, Katie said,
“I am delighted to have been accepted onto the Community Business Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Power to Change. The programme and grant of up to £5,000 will help us grow Chichester Fringe so we can support more artists in West Sussex and beyond.”
“Chichester Fringe was created in direct response to the covid-19 pandemic... we sensed that there was an opportunity for developing the fringe scene in Chichester, as there was plenty of talent about but nothing like a fringe anywhere around the city. Our aim is to support and mentor up and coming performers of the local area and beyond by providing a free, safe space to perform and enabling them to showcase their work.
Claire Binden, entrepreneurship support lead at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Katie onto the programme where she’ll learn alongside other community leaders how to create lasting social impact for the region. We are confident Katie has the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase their impact on Chichester even urther, which is why we have awarded her a highly-coveted place.”.
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