A county-wide programme of arts and entertainment, is calling on the public to help select the acts they would like to see perform in Cambridgeshire this Spring.
Since its launch in 2018, The Library Presents has grown in both popularity and appeal, attracting audiences of more than 30,000 and consistently delivering a diverse arts programme of high quality.
You can make your voice heard and help to choose the events that will be part of this year’s exciting and varied programme by responding to a survey at your local library, or online, between 11 January and 9 February.
Thanks to partnership support and £570,826 of public funding provided by Arts Council England over 3 years, standard ticket prices are heavily subsidised.
Helping everyone access the arts is one of the programme’s main focuses, so where possible barriers of opportunity and wealth have been removed. On average, tickets cost under £5 or less, thanks to a variety of concessions for children, students, senior citizens, the unwaged and disabled, family savers, and in some cases ‘pay what you think’ options.
Over the last six years, the programme has delivered an estimated 900 hours of entertainment to audiences of all ages. It has also provided employment for around 220 performers and workshop leaders, almost half of whom of reside in the Eastern region, giving a much-welcomed boost to the county’s cultural economy.
“The Library Presents feels like a really well thought out initiative, offering great support for artists and bringing shows into the community. We'd welcome the opportunity to work with TLP in the future.” – Sarah Simpson, The Wagon of Dreams, Jellyfish Theatre.
Putting the programming power into the hands of the local community and asking them to choose the artists they want to see is an important part of The Library Presents. Past seasons have featured everything from mind-blowing magic and hilarious alternative comedy, to cutting-edge drama, incredible music and inspirational workshops.
The Library Presents selection menu is always eagerly anticipated and the latest season is no exception. The big question is now: which artists will gain the public’s support and earn a coveted place on The Library Presents Spring 2024 Season?
Councillor Tom Sanderson, Chair of the County Council's Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “I’m delighted to see the return of this highly successful programme, which continues to attract new audiences year on year.”
“Those artists and performers who have been shortlisted for inclusion in this new programme of events are some of the best working in their fields today. I’m really excited to see who will get a ‘Yes’ this time round. It is now up to the great Cambridgeshire public to choose!”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We were delighted to continue our funding for The Library Presents through our 2023-26 National Portfolio, supporting them to programme a huge variety of creative and cultural events that communities across Cambridgeshire can enjoy. It is hugely powerful to see that local residents have played such an important role in choosing the performers and events that they want to see.”
Have your say between 11 January and 9 February 2024 by simply picking up a form from one of the county’s libraries or go online and share your views. Library Live | The LIbrary Presents
The Library Presents team will spend time in our local communities, introducing The Library Presents programme and talking through the selection menu, to find out what interests them most. If you would like to know more please contact thelibrarypresents@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Participating Libraries:
Alconbury Weald, Arbury Court, Barnwell Road, Bassingbourn, Cambourne, Cambridge Central, Chatteris, Ely, Histon, Huntingdon, Littleport, March, Northstowe, Ramsey, Sawtry, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, Wisbech.
--------------
Audience member quotes
“Band outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoyed something so different” – Audience member, The Musical Balloon Band
“Brilliant entertainment. Fantastic musician and singer” – Audience member, Gasper Nali – Afrobeat
“Fun, relaxing and social” – Ceramics Workshop participant
“Absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable tutor, learned loads, very enjoyable” – Willow Sculpture Workshop participant
