Future of Paint Festival "bright" after organiser and council secure funding
Festival founder, Andy Dice Davis met with Cheltenham Borough Council to make sure its never again at risk of cancellation
Last updated 14th Apr 2023
Festival organiser, Andy Dice Davies has secured a long term sustainable future for Cheltenham Paint Festival with help form the town's Borough Counicl.
After this year's street art event was nearly cancelled, Andy Dice Davies met with council officers and cabinet member, Councillor Max Wilkinson to find a sustainable finaical future for this year's event.
The 2023 event was saved after residents and businesses raised more than £15,000.
Cheltenham Borough Council have provided funding in the past, and now want to make sure it can still be run independently many years.
Andy Davies, Cheltenham Paint Festival organiser, says, “There are simply no words that can show how thankful I am to everyone who donated for their overwhelmingly positive responses.
Their generosity and determination has made sure that we don’t miss out on another year and I want to personally thank everyone for their kind donations and messages of support.
“The paint festival holds a special place in my heart and I know it has touched many others too.
This is why I’m excited to work closely with the council to look at other alternatives to safeguard the future of Cheltenham’s much loved festival.”
Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, Cheltenham Borough Council says, “It’s such good news that this year’s festival has been saved thanks to generous donors in the community – I’d like to thank everyone who chipped in.
“Our priority now must be to help the event become financially sustainable so we don’t end up with this uncertainty in future years.
We absolutely cannot allow the Paint Festival to die. We are a town rich in culture and the diversity it brings to our streets is valued by residents and visitors alike.”
Not only will the Borough Council be providing financial support, they will also be assisting with administration, logistics and other processes.
They've pushed for the potential inclusion of the festival on the Cheltenham Culture Board.
Further announcements about the Cheltenham's Paint Festival are expected to be made later this year.