Michelle Tejevo, Basingstoke College of Technology
Basingstoke and Deane is far more than a strategic hub on the M3; it is a vibrant, evolving tapestry of creativity, grit and community spirit. In consideration, for the UK Town of Culture, Basingstoke and Deane is a celebration of a borough that has spent many years proving that culture is our heartbeat. I am, personally, very proud to both live and work within the borough. From the cobbled history of Milestones Museum to the world-class acoustics of The Anvil, we have the infrastructure. But more importantly, we have the people. Over the last five years, several key milestones have cemented our identity as a place of belonging and pride and I have no doubt that many more milestones will develop.
The growth of the Basingstoke Festival
For 15 years, the Basingstoke Festival has transformed our town centre into a stage for the extraordinary. In the last five years, it has evolved from a local arts weekend into a bold, international outdoor arts showcase. By bringing world-class circus, dance and street theatre to everyday spaces like Eastrop Park and The Malls, the festival has democratised art, making it accessible to every resident, regardless of their background. Seeing thousands of residents gather for events like the Let’s Glow light displays or the Shed of Stories fosters a unique sense of collective wonder.
A new chapter: Basingstoke Pride
A defining moment for our community’s evolution occurred in 2024 with the inaugural Basingstoke Pride. This volunteer-led movement turned the town into a joyful rainbow, signaling a clear message of inclusion and modern identity. Beyond the parade, the partnership with local staples like the Basingstoke Bison ice hockey team has integrated LGBTQ+ visibility into the very fabric of our local culture. It proved that Basingstoke is a place where everyone can thrive and be celebrated for who they are.
Resilience through the pandemic
The last five years included the most significant challenge to the arts in a generation. Our cultural institutions didn't just survive; they innovated. Anvil Arts and Proteus Theatre pivoted to digital workshops and community outreach, providing "Finding the Words" projects for those with dementia and free musical workshop places for thousands of students. This period highlighted that our cultural organisations are not just venues; they are vital social services that keep our community connected.
Celebrating our green culture
Our culture is also defined by our environment. The annual Basingstoke Green Week has grown significantly, blending arts with activism. Local artists have used their platforms to address climate change through workshops and performances, proving that our borough is forward-thinking and committed to the future. When considering the culture of Basingstoke, I should highlight that Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) isn't just an educational institution; it is a talent incubator, ensuring that our cultural scene isn't just something we consume, but something we create.
Over the last five years, BCoT has been instrumental in shaping the town's identity in three distinct ways and will continue to impact in the coming years:
Nurturing the next generation of creatives
BCoT’s Creative Industries department contributes to our local arts scene. By providing professional-grade training in media, gaming and the arts, the college ensures that home-grown talent stays in Basingstoke. Students collaborate with local businesses and festivals, providing a range of photography, videography and graphic design. Our annual End of Year Shows have become a staple cultural event, inviting the public to see high-level exhibitions.
A hub for community and culinary culture
Culture isn’t just found in a gallery; it’s found on a plate. BCoT’s award-winning Restaurant at BCoT offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in town. By hosting themed evenings and community dinners, the college brings residents together to celebrate global cuisines and local produce. This fosters a foodie culture that supports our local economy and brings a sense of high-street sophistication to the North Hampshire area. Seeing young chefs from our own neighborhoods go on to work in Michelin-starred kitchens brings a massive sense of local achievement.
Bridging technology and the arts
Basingstoke is a tech-heavy town, and BCoT is the bridge between our industrial heritage and our creative future. Through our Emerging Technologies hubs, BCoT is defining what modern culture looks like. We are teaching the community that digital art, coding, and gaming are just as culturally significant as traditional theatre. BCoT ensures by providing the skills, the space and the stage for young people to express themselves, we can act as the cultural foundation.
