A PIONEERING East Lancashire arts organisation is to get a share of a £15.5 million handout from the National Lottery.

Arts Council England has revealed that Super Slow Way, based on Lord Street West, Blackburn, will be one of 14 Creative People and Places projects in the North to receive lottery funding over the next three years.

The money is being provided to create grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across the North where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average.

Super Slow Way, founded in 2015, works with communities from across Lancashire along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. It connects people with local, national and international artists and commissions projects that allow for collaboration and exploration of new ideas, creating spaces to look afresh at how people relate to their environment, neighbourhoods and to each other.

Director Laurie Peake, said: “We are thrilled to have been granted funding to continue our programme in East Lancashire that will allow us to broaden and deepen our relationships with the communities here.”

Sarah Maxfield, area director north for Arts Council England said: “Creative People and Places is a fantastic programme that gives communities a voice in deciding the art and culture activity that happens in their area.

“It’s great to see so many projects across the North receiving funding- some for the first time. I look forward to seeing the brilliant work that each project will create- congratulations to everyone who has received support!”

Super Slow Way has been behind a number of successful arts projects, most notably the British Textile Biennial which will return in 2023