A MILLION pound cash injection will be a boost for arts and culture in Thurrock over the next three years.

The Tilbury on the Thames Trust, supported by the Port of Tilbury and in partnership with Thurrock CVS, the Royal Opera House, Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions CIC and Thurrock Council have secured a £1 million grant on behalf of Thurrock as part of the Arts Council England's Creative People and Places National Portfolio 2022-25 programme.

The cash will be used over the next three years to support local people in Thurrock to kickstart arts and culture programmes across the borough.

A spokesperson for the Trust, which was launched in February 2016 and is governed by a board of eight trustees drawn from the Port of Tilbury and the local community, said: "The application was a team effort and this success is due to the commitment and hard work shown by the partners and all stakeholders who have engaged with the development of the proposal since 2018.

"The planning for the three-year programme, which will draw on the local area's rich, diverse culture, will begin in April 2022 with the first activities expected to be delivered in autumn next year.

As part of the planning, the partners will work together as the Thurrock Creative People and Places Consortium and will be looking for residents passionate about arts and culture to become 'Kickstarters', developing ideas and making decisions on creative projects that bring Thurrock to life.

Creative activities could include outdoor arts; dance, theatre and music; a celebration of people; riverside heritage; industry and international connections. These will happen across Thurrock landmarks, landscape and localities.

The Thurrock Creative People and Places Consortium said: "We are thrilled that this funding has been secured for Thurrock creating opportunities for all. Thurrock has an engaged creative and cultural sector and we are all looking forward to working with them to get local people taking part in brilliant art experiences in the places where they live."