Help shape town culture

NEW designs for the Coliseum Theatre

TWO Oldhamers are being given the chance to help shape the town's new cultural quarter by joining a steering group.

The Oldham Cultural Quarter Steering Group has been established to build on the changes taking place in the town centre and its objective is to deliver the widest possible cultural participation and promote excellence in theatre, heritage and the arts.

The group is looking for two independent representatives who share the council's passion for culture and the arts.

The steering group has a diverse range of knowledge and skills including members with experience in the public and private sectors such as the Coliseum Theatre, Oldham Arts and Heritage Service, and Arts Council England.

One of the important initiatives will be the new Coliseum Theatre with a 550-seat auditorium and 175-seat studio, a state of the art heritage and arts centre showcasing Oldham's proud past as well as bringing back into use other important heritage assets.

Those who can demonstrate leadership at a regional or national level, have previous board level, operational or fundraising experience and are passionate about culture and heritage in Oldham, are being urged to get in touch.

A good understanding of current issues facing the arts and culture sector would also be beneficial.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: "If you share our passion and commitment and would relish the challenge of helping to shape our Cultural Quarter, then please get in touch."

The steering group meets quarterly and the role is voluntary and unpaid.

Interested applicants should email their CV and a covering letter, explaining why the role appeals to them and what particular skills they could bring to the steering group, to Roger Frith, head of strategic regeneration and development at roger.frith@oldham.gov.uk

Contact Roger for an informal chat or to request a person specification.

The closing date for applications is Friday, July 28.