We recently held a celebration event for Essex’s creative industries. This saw the launch of the Cultural Ambassadors and Extraordinary Essex campaigns.
Our Cultural Ambassadors shine a spotlight on the amount of talent in our county. A series of short films aim to inspire arts and creative businesses.
Dame Helen Mirren, Olly Murs and Thomas Coombes have all become Cultural Ambassadors. They join over 40 local figures, including:
- Lucy Aylen, fashion entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Never Fully Dressed
- AJ Grand-Scrutton, founder of award-winning games company Dlala Studios
- Tom Hodgkinson, classical guitarist who gave a special performance at the event
- Steve Mannix, Executive Director of Mercury Theatre
- Conceptual artist Elsa James
Cultural Ambassadors are proud representatives of our diverse arts, cultural and creative industries. They hope to inspire future creatives from all backgrounds to pursue their dream careers.
Dame Helen Mirren said: “I was raised in Essex and am proud of my roots. I gained my love of acting during my early performances on the stages of Essex. The county has proven a launch pad for so many creative people from the performing arts to music as well as writers, designers and visual artists.
“The creative arts can provide opportunities for everyone, no matter what their background. Art and culture can help bring communities together, increase mental and physical wellbeing and is a key driver in economic development.”
Olly Murs said: “I am so chuffed to be announced as a Cultural Ambassador for Essex. It’s no secret that I’m a born and bred Essex boy and my working life started in a local call centre. 15 years down the line, I feel so proud to have built an ongoing career in the arts industry, achieving my dreams across music and TV. I hope now that I can inspire a new generation of creatives to pursue their talents and continue to build upon the rich culture this county has to offer.”
The event also revealed the Extraordinary Essex Art Commission. This invites residents to produce a creative work showing why they feel Essex is extraordinary.
The celebration event reflected on the successes of our arts and cultural fund. This is a five-year programme supporting creative projects across the county.
Councillor Mark Durham, our Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “Essex is a county with a rich and diverse arts and cultural sector. The Cultural Ambassadors scheme is a way of celebrating this and the invaluable contributions the arts, culture and creative industries make to the county.
“Each of the ambassadors is an exemplar in their chosen field. I hope people enjoy learning more about each of them and I look forward to seeing what their legacies inspire in the future.”
Our Council Leader, Kevin Bentley, launched Extraordinary Essex. This campaign celebrates the people which make the county special.
A video was screened showing the dedication of people in different roles. This includes the Independent Visitor Service, Essex Music Service and Community Support Workers.
Councillor Mark Durham said: “When people ask me why I became a councillor, it is because of the extraordinary people which make our county extraordinary.
“I therefore very much look forward to helping shine a light on those who make Essex special over the coming months.”
Extraordinary Essex content will be shared across our channels. Find out more on our website.