The new platform, Do Swindon, has been created to help residents and visitors discover everything from theatre productions and live music to exhibitions, workshops, family events and community activities in one place.
Those behind the project say the website is about more than simply listing events. They hope it will help change perceptions of Swindon and showcase the borough’s creative and cultural offer.
The launch is the latest development in work that has continued since Swindon’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. Although the town was unsuccessful, partnerships established during the campaign have continued through Arts Council England’s Cultural Place Partnership programme.
Around 400 creatives, venues, festivals and cultural organisations are now part of the Swindon Culture Collective network, working together to promote arts and culture across the borough.
Rod Hebden, of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said:
“All too often we hear people complain that ‘there’s nothing to do in Swindon’. Meanwhile we know that our town has a varied and thriving arts and cultural scene, but with the sector comprising individuals and organisations of many sizes, it can be a challenge to publicise events and activity effectively.
“That’s why this work was included in the Place Partnership bid which Swindon made to the Arts Council, and it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition so brilliantly.”
Unlike a traditional events calendar, Do Swindon has been designed as a hub featuring attractions, local stories and places to visit alongside event listings.
The branding and website were created by Swindon-based creative agency GEL Studios, which donated its work to the project.
Graeme Leighfield, from GEL Studios, said:
“From the beginning, we knew the Do Swindon brand had to stand proudly against the perceptions that have held the town back for too long.
“It needed to feel confident without being corporate, bold without being inaccessible, and inspiring in a way that people could genuinely relate to.
“Swindon has talent, creativity and community spirit in abundance, but that story has not always been told with the pride it deserves. Our role was to create a brand identity, message and website that could help change that, giving the town a platform that feels positive, distinctive and unapologetically proud of Swindon.”
The initiative forms part of Swindon’s Cultural Place Partnership and has been supported through National Lottery funding from Arts Council England alongside Swindon Borough Council and a number of local organisations.
Councillor Matt Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said:
“Launching the Do Swindon website will enable Swindon’s cultural offering to expand and become accessible to even more residents.
“With ongoing investment and regeneration across the borough, this website is a positive step in showing off the amazing community groups and activities that the town has to offer. It provides a platform that not only promotes activity but also encourages people to take pride in where they live, work and visit.”
Swindon24 is attending the launch event and will update this story with further reaction from organisers, local creatives and visitors, as well as photographs from the event.
