Igniting Ambition Festival 2011 – Connecting Communities showcases a diverse range of projects that are being delivered across the three counties of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.  It also features a region-wide programme presented by the Breath of Fresh Air partnership, celebrating the green spaces of the East Midlands.  It is the fourth annual showcase created in the region for the Cultural Olympaid in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  It is made possible funding from Legacy Trust UK and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with support from many partners including Arts Council England, East Midlands Development Agency (enda) and the local authorities of the three counties.

Igniting Ambition Festival 2011 has been created through the work of two partnerships: the three counties of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland and a number of environment agencies that make up the Breath of Fresh Air programme, led by Groundwork East Midlands.  It also provides a platform for the innovative new work that has been created by emerging cultural organisations and small and medium enterprises based in the region and supported through our ERDF funded Creative Innovation programme.

Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland are home to a diverse range of landscapes and communities, with a wealth of cultural practitioners and a growing number of creative companies, cultural institutions and festival activities.  The partnership, which in Lincolnshire has been managed by creative consultancy Cultural Solutions UK, has invested in productions which demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurship and excellence and make connections across the three counties.

Igniting Ambition Festival 2011 will provide new opportunities for local communities to participate, engage in and enjoy events.  It will put the three counties and the East Midlands region firmly on the map as a key contributor to the UK Cultral Olympaid, inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Paul Brookes

Creative Programmer, East Midlands