Bright Culture was commissioned in 2021 to support the Generator Trustees in the development of their application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the The Generator: where Loughborough's Heritage, Industry, Learning, Creativity and Community cooperatively combine.
This exciting project focuses on restoring & reusing the town’s old College of Art & Design building, creating workspaces for local creative businesses, a café and a new multimedia arts venue. The building is part of the town’s heritage as one of the early power-generating stations, and then art college, with thousands of people having trained, worked or studied here.
Bright Culture undertook a series of interviews with the Project Team to understand the project and review the development phase. We then worked with the team to identify target audiences and possible project partners and to develope a series of consultation activities.
Consultation took place during the COVID-19 pandemic which meant all sessions took place virtually. We developed and promoted an online survey which was completed by 212 people and delivered four focus groups, which were widely publicised across Loughborough, with a door-to-door leaflet drop, a social media campaign and press releases. In addition, 15 Zoom interviews with local organisations and stakeholders were undertaken to explore project potential, develop partnerships and to research into the local area.
Throughout the process, Bright Culture provided the team with mentor support and advice underpinned by the consultation findings to help develop their wider project plan and inform their application to the NLHF. The Commission was completed with a consultation report, with key findings and recommendations and an accompanying draft Activity Statement.
For more information about the Generator Project: The Generator Loughborough – Restoring the Old Art College & Generator Hall
Bright Culture were brilliant at engaging with local interests and organisations and developing an innovative and inclusive approach. This resulted in an exciting Activity Plan which we are sure will thoroughly involve the local community. Bright Culture also produced a very thorough Evaluation Plan. They were an absolute pleasure to work with and always willing to offer advice and guidance on related matters. Their work was delivered promptly and efficiently, and they were always available. We very much hope to work with them again in the future.
Jonathan Hale, Company Secretary The Generator Loughborough CIC