Our Eastside Creates programme grew out of Romsey Art Festival – and is dedicated to supporting access to the arts in East Cambridge. Cambridge Art Salon was first formed as a project out in an old disused motorbike shop in Romsey Town, then relocated as a studio space for 18 artists and makers based to Abbey, so are committed to supporting the arts in the area. Eastside Creates has paid for free workshops for school children at Abbey Meadows to create lanterns at the Winter lights festival 2015, plus is planning intergenerational activity as part of We Are Family 2016 this year.
The first ever Romsey Art Festival was launched in 2013 with support from a grant from Cambridge City Council, a celebration of community through contemporary art, shining a light on the fantastic ward of Romsey Town and Mill Road area. Local community groups participated in a two week festival of workshops, events, exhibitions and happenings. Last year’s festival was also a great success, with break dancing, installations, stages, networking, workshops and talks, funded with extra support from donations, plus grants from both Cambridge City Council and the Arts Council.