Dear Ipswich, I hope you are well.
Ipswich: where diversity + geography = creativity
I was born and raised in Ipswich, emerging in the 70s to become a child of the 80s who came of age in the 90s. There is no place like Ipswich – it is unique in its makeup as a place which, in my opinion, serves as a model of a successful multicultural community.
I feel very privileged for the cultural education I received here, thanks to the diverse makeup of the town and its geography. Ipswich is far away enough from London to have a distinct identity forged through communities needing to create their own entertainment.
When I was coming up this took place at grassroots events where we danced together in welcoming spaces like the sorely-missed Caribbean Club, had a voice via the various community media projects led by organisations like CSV and exchanged musical knowledge at the many records shops we had in the town.
I feel very privileged for the cultural education I received here, thanks to the diverse makeup of the town and its geography.
Ipswich has always punched above its weight in terms of the contributions it has made over the years to popular culture, particularly where music is concerned. For me this is a source of pride that, by working together as a proud community, we can ensure is rightly recognised, celebrated and supported to continue into the future.
Growing up in the town, I was able to be educated on, participate in and contribute to many cultural activities and believe we can all play a part in “re-enchanting” our town by channelling the endlessly creative “DIY” energy that exists here and is unique to us.
There are some great initiatives underway designed to give people a reason to visit Ipswich. Through celebrating and promoting our distinct brand of culture generated by our diversity and geography, I strongly believe we will create a compelling reason for our best and brightest to stay, ensuring Ipswich shines once again.
Marcus Harris-Noble
Creativity, Culture and Community
