Villages in Action will be able to continue its successful rural touring performance and engagement programme in Devon communities, thanks to new funding from Arts Council England.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has welcomed Villages in Action's announcement on the funding, allowing it to continue its programme for the next 18 months.

Established to bring a diverse range of artistic performances to community spaces, the Villages in Action network is made up of volunteers, community venues and producers committed to improving access to culture for all by hosting exciting creative events and activities. 

By supporting people to organise their own cultural activity, Villages in Action aims to enhance the quality of life for communities; combatting isolation and encouraging social inclusion. 

This project builds on Villages in Action's established partnership with East Devon District Council and local communities throughout the area, and ties in with the council's commitment to developing a new arts and culture strategy for the next decade.

East Devon's Cultural Strategy aims to strengthen, promote and grow arts and culture in East Devon, offering high quality creative opportunities, accessible to people of all ages, in all communities.

Cultural organisations and individual creatives are encouraged to sign up to the Arts & Culture East Devon directory to be featured on the new ACED website.

Highlights of what to expect from Villages In Action over the next 18 months include increasing the number of outdoor performances taking place as well as hyper-local Village Exchange skills sharing sessions and our annual From Devon With Love festival.

Mair George, creative director of Villages in Action, said: "We are excited to build on what we've been doing over the last thirty years, with a renewed vision and mission. Our vision is to democratise the arts and make them accessible for everyone, and we know that rural places are often left behind. We're looking forward to working with these communities across the county."

Sarah Elghady, cultural producer at East Devon District Council, added: "Villages in Action is integral to East Devon's cultural scene, offering high quality performances to local residents and vibrancy to our communities, as well as opportunities for volunteering.

"It's fantastic news that they have received this vital funding from the Arts Council to develop and grow their rural touring programme. We look forward to seeing their vibrant programme expand across East Devon over the next year and a half."

Villages in Action has just launched an artist call-out and is eager to hear from any artists working in live performance in East Devon. The organisation is actively seeking performers, musicians, dancers, poets, and storytellers to showcase their skills and entertain audiences as part of their dynamic touring programme, which launches in May 2023 and runs until August 2024.

For more information, visit: https://villagesinaction.co.uk/artists/