Creative Community in Leigh and Wigan Holds Roundtable with Jo Platt MP
Today, artists and arts organisations from Leigh, Wigan, and the wider region came together at Spinners Mill in Leigh for a vital conversation with Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton. The roundtable provided an important platform for local creatives to share their experiences and challenges directly with their parliamentary representative.
The discussion centred on the realities facing freelance visual artists and creative practitioners - from limited access to funding and professional development opportunities, to the urgent need for affordable, secure and community-led spaces where creativity can flourish. Participants highlighted the importance of building stronger local support systems that empower artists to sustain their careers, grow their practice and contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of the region.
Spinners Mill, itself a powerful example of community-driven creative space, served as an inspiring backdrop for the conversation, underlining the value of locally rooted infrastructure in supporting long-term creative ecosystems.
We’re deeply grateful to all the artists, organisations, and community leaders who took part in this essential exchange and to Jo Platt MP for listening with openness and commitment. These conversations are a crucial step toward building a more supportive, sustainable future for the visual arts in Leigh, Wigan, and beyond.
