‘We must continue celebrating and supporting our cultural assets’
Destination Chestefield Board Member, Ann Fomukong-Boden shares her views on the importance of art for Chesterfield’s communities and regeneration
Do you remember the sculpture being built at Horns Bridge Roundabout? ‘Growth’ has now stood proudly for over a decade, and has become another iconic landmark for our town, complemented by our historic Crooked Spire, which sits beside it on the skyline.
But at the time it was revealed, ‘Growth’ ignited debate. Everyone had an opinion about it. Love it or not, it certainly highlights how the arts shape our community and identity.
To me, the arts make our town unique and vibrant, drawing residents and visitors. I wanted, this month, to highlight some of the initiatives that keep Chesterfield’s creative spirit alive.
Have you experienced the Chesterfield Children’s Festival produced by local charity Junction Arts? Each year, it fills Queen’s Park with music, theatre, dance, and storytelling, immersing families in creativity and creating memories for parents and their little ones.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield Studios’ Rose Theatre undergoes an exciting extension into the adjacent historic Rose Hill Church, providing more space for its 400 students. Could the next West End star come from Chesterfield? Of course they can!
Art connects us to our history and instils pride. While Chesterfield Museum undergoes refurbishment, its ‘Museum on the Move’ initiative brings exhibits directly to communities. The reopening of the museum and theatre in 2026 will offer even more cultural inspiration.
Looking ahead, Derbyshire Makes will celebrate creativity in craft, design, and manufacturing over three years. The first event in March showcased innovative, local makers and traditional crafts.
Beyond its economic and historical value, art can bring people together. It unites communities, encouraging us to learn from one another.
My SocialFuse Festival continues to champion Chesterfield’s incredible purpose-driven and community organisations. Furthermore, West Studios, in partnership with Chesterfield College, has nurtured artistic talent for a decade, cultivating a collaborative hub for designers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Finally, art enhances our wellbeing. It gets us outside, encourages us to slow down, and allows us to appreciate our surroundings.
The ongoing public art project, Animate Chesterfield creates lasting cultural landmarks. Local artist Lucie Maycock was appointed last year to deliver workshops in the town centre.
Lucie collected stories and memories from members of the community and her new artworks will share and celebrate these stories. By the time you read this, some of the works will have been revealed to the public, and I can’t wait to see how they will add further vibrancy to the town.
Art is everywhere in Chesterfield and its impact is undeniable. But to keep our creative heartbeat strong, we must continue celebrating and supporting our cultural assets.
Immerse yourself in our local culture and keep up with what’s happening across Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/
Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Director, Kakou.
