February 25 – The FA has snagged an £800,000 grant from Arts Council England to run an arts and cultural programme alongside Women’s EURO 2022 in England. The money comes from the Arts Council National Lottery funding.
The focus of the programme will be three commissioned projects – led by artist Emma Smith, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Idle Women – that will will celebrate the history of women’s football and aims to encourage more people, particularly women and girls, to be inspired by the tournament.
The public will also have the opportunity to create an original anthem to celebrate the Women’s EURO 2022 in England.
The programme will reach nearly 3 million people during the tournament that will be played July 6-31 in nine Host Cities – Brighton & Hove, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Rotherham, Sheffield, Southampton, Trafford and Wigan & Leigh.
It is the first time the FA has managed a cultural programme alongside a major tournament.
Darren Henley, Arts Council chief executive said: “The Football Association’s first ever arts programme will transform the streets and boroughs where people live throughout the Women’s EURO 2022 this summer. The combined forces of culture and sport have the power to improve lives, regenerate neighbourhoods, support local economies and bring people together nationally and internationally.”
Chris Bryant, Tournament Director UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, said: “By bringing football and arts together under one project we can attract new audiences to each and leave behind a legacy for future generations.”
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