Wigan and Leigh Arts Map
“Artists see the value in it and want to just support it any way they can.” Liz Chapman, Founder
The Wigan and Leigh Arts Map is an artist-led project by Wigan artist Liz Chapman together with creative producer Charlotte Yeung. The Map is a pioneering digital resource that connects and promotes artists, arts organisations and venues in the Wigan and Leigh area. It was created to address a gap in visibility, community, and opportunity for local creatives, with digital innovation and community consultation at the core of its approach. Artists
What happened: digital reach and engagement
4,700+ Google Map views to the end of 2025
1,000+ unique website visitors annually
95 artists/organisations listed, with resources growing monthly
Active mailing list (64 contacts as of January 2026)
Regular social media presence and drop-in sessions in community spaces
“It’s a wonderful shop window. Commissioners use the art map to commission people finding local creatives beyond their existing networks. This is absolutely what we put it in place for.”
The digital-first approach is widely accessible and allowed rapid growth, connecting both established and previously ‘hidden’ local talent. Social media and newsletters are important in raising awareness, while engagement metrics guide future improvements
What was learned?
Engaging the arts community from the outset leads to wide support and genuine co-ownership.
Combining digital tools (Google Maps, social media) with face to face drop ins in accessible, familiar venues (libraries) maximises reach.
Digital metrics don’t tell the whole story, surveys and feedback need to be factored.
What value did GM Arts SPIRIT add?
The Map’s growth and sustainability has been directly boosted by funding from SPIRIT.
“Their investment in it provides our ability to grow it, and spend that time on it, it’s helpful to have people that will support me with it…”
In 2026, Liz plans to recruit an entry level social media coordinator as a way into the industry. The Social Media & Communications Assistant post will add capacity and professionalise how the Map is promoted. Without this funding, the project would rely solely on Liz and Charlotte’s volunteer hours which limits how much can be achieved. Instead, the Map can be further developed and new opportunities created (including digital media placements for students). Other boroughs and towns outside GM are looking to the map as a model to follow.
Drop ins have also revealed new talent, including one amateur artist who, in thanks through Liz’s encouragement, has since became an exhibitor
Looking Ahead
With new funding and an active digital community, the Wigan and Leigh Arts Map looks set to keep growing, connecting more artists, finding a local home for paid commissions, and providing that rarest of resources – one that artists want and need managed by someone who understands the sector and also able to connect it with commissioners and education.
The Wigan and Leigh Arts Map (2025)
