Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live
Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC secures Arts Council funding to celebrate diversity, creativity and grassroots culture in Woking.
The programme will deliver a series of live music events celebrating a wide range of cultural traditions, alongside an open day and key accessibility improvements to the venue.
At its heart, Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live. is about recognising and celebrating the diversity that makes Woking what it is — bringing together music, storytelling and shared experience to inspire new work, new collaborations and a stronger, more connected grassroots cultural future.
The programme will include:
Live music events reflecting diverse musical traditions
Opportunities for collaboration between artists and communities
A community open day welcoming new audiences
Accessibility improvements including a wheelchair lift to the stage
Enhancements to accessible toilet facilities
Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC was founded by local residents in response to a lack of inclusive, grassroots cultural spaces in the town. Since opening, it has provided opportunities for musicians, writers, young people and community groups, many of whom face barriers to accessing the arts.
Elaine McGinty, Co-Founder of Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, said: “Woking is full of creativity, stories and traditions that deserve to be seen and heard. This programme is about bringing those together — not just to celebrate where we come from, but to inspire what we create next. Grassroots culture is where new ideas begin and where people find their place.”
The project will also support the development of skills, confidence and participation, strengthening Woking’s cultural life from the ground up.