A SPECIAL celebration event for Essex’s creative industries saw the launch of the Cultural Ambassadors and Extraordinary Essex campaigns.

The Cultural Ambassadors campaign shines a spotlight on the wealth of talent in the county for arts and creative businesses, inspiring future generations with a series of short films.

Famous faces including actress Dame Helen Mirren, singer Olly Murs and actors Thomas Coombes and Busayo Ige have all signed up to the Cultural Ambassadors campaign.

They join over 40 local figures as ambassadors. This includes fashion entrepreneur Lucy Aylen, Founder and CEO of Never Fully Dressed; AJ Grand-Scrutton, Founder of award-winning games company Dlala Studios, and conceptual artist Elsa James

The ambassadors will act as proud representatives of the county’s diverse arts, cultural and creative industries sector.

They are hoping to inspire and encourage future designers, artists, musicians and creatives from all backgrounds and disciplines to pursue careers in culture and the arts across Essex.

Dame Helen Mirren said: “I was raised in Essex and am proud of my roots. I gained my love of acting during my early performances on the stages of Essex. The county has proven a launch pad for so many creative people from the performing arts to music as well as writers, designers and visual artists.

“The creative arts can provide opportunities for everyone, no matter what their background. Art and culture can help bring communities together, increase mental and physical wellbeing and is a key driver in economic development.” 

Olly Murs said: “I am so chuffed to be announced as a Cultural Ambassador for Essex. It’s no secret that I’m a born and bred Essex boy and my working life started in a local call centre. 15 years down the line, I feel so proud to have built an ongoing career in the arts industry, achieving my dreams across music and TV. I hope now that I can inspire a new generation of creatives to pursue their talents and continue to build upon the rich culture this county has to offer.”

Guitarist and Cultural Ambassador, Tom Hodgkinson, gave a special performance at the launch event at Anglia Ruskin University.

The event also revealed the Extraordinary Essex Art Commission. It invites artists, cultural practitioners and residents to produce a creative or cultural work showing why they feel Essex is an extraordinary place.

The project must be delivered before 31 March 2025 and take place within the county council authority area of Essex. Artists, groups or organisations based outside the area can enter as long as the proposed work is delivered within the area.

The celebration event also reflected on the successes of Essex County Council’s arts and cultural fund – a five-year programme supporting creative projects across the county.

Attendees heard from Arts Council England about the importance of Essex in the national arts landscape.

Councillor Mark Durham, the council’s Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “Essex is a county with a rich and diverse arts and cultural sector. The Cultural Ambassadors scheme is a way of celebrating this and the invaluable contributions the arts, culture and creative industries make to the county.

“Each of the ambassadors is an exemplar in their chosen field. I hope people enjoy learning more about each of them and I look forward to seeing what their legacies inspire in the future.”

In addition to the Cultural Ambassadors campaign, council Leader Councillor Kevin Bentley launched Extraordinary Essex. This campaign proudly celebrates the uniqueness of the county and the people that make it special.

A video was screened showing the dedication of people in the Independent Visitor Service, Essex Music Service and Community Support Workers.

Councillor Mark Durham said: “When people ask me why I became a councillor, it is because of the extraordinary people which make our county extraordinary.

“I therefore very much look forward to helping shine a light on those who make Essex special over the coming months.”

Extraordinary Essex content will be shared across the council’s channels. Find out more at https://www.essex.gov.uk/people-make-us

Find more information about all of the Essex Cultural Ambassadors at www.culture-essex.co.uk