Minister tours creative sector on Cornwall visit

CHRIS Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, was welcomed by Westcountry MP Jayne Kirkham as the pair toured Falmouth’s arts and culture scene and showed support for small music venues and the wider cultural sector.

- WMN REPORTER

The Culture Minister began his visit at Falmouth Art Gallery, home to a permanent collection that includes works by Henry Scott Tuke, Anna Killigrew, and Francis Hewlett. Here he viewed their current exhibition, Where Are We? which looks at how artists are engaging with new technologies. Among the highlights was work by Jess Pemberton, who integrates virtual reality into their practice.

Mr Bryant spoke with the gallery team and the Town Council about their role in Falmouth’s creative sector, particularly in education, outreach, support for emerging local artists, as well as cultural tourism. However, he heard how challenges remain, especially around capital funding. Ms Kirkham, Truro and Falmouth Labour MP, said in a release that as a civic museum, they don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the Renewal Fund, yet there is a need to maintain and improve their facilities. ‘They have scope to grow and evolve in the local community, and funds such as the MEND Fund and Civic Museums Fund could offer crucial support.