Arts Council England has today announced that a total of £5 million will be invested in six Creative People and Places projects across London over the next three years – made possible thanks to National Lottery players – to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average.
Since 2012, Creative People and Places projects have brought together community, grassroots, and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating, and taking part in arts and cultural activities that their local communities want and need.
Up until 2021, there were over 7.4million people engaging with Creative People and Places projects, 83% of which involved people that do not regularly engage with arts and culture. The far-reaching impact of the programme continues through enabling over 17,404 volunteers and over 1000 local partners to take part – including a haulage firm, a rugby club and several housing associations – all helping to put creativity at the heart of local communities.
This new round of funding means that every National Lottery ticket purchase contributes to more villages, towns, and cities up and down the country being able to thrive through a collaborative approach to culture – from Wigan to Walsall, from Rochdale to the New Forest, and from Boston to Basildon.
A total of 39 Creative People and Places projects, 11 of which are brand new, will be supported covering 56 local authority areas, taking total investment for the period between 2022 and 2025 to £38.3million, and total investment rising to £108million since inception of the programme in 2012 up to 2025.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Everyone, no matter where they are from, should be able to experience arts and culture. The fantastic Creative People and Place projects help make culture more accessible and strengthen bonds in local communities. I’m delighted that this £38.3 million funding will make sure more people across the whole of England have access to brilliant cultural and creative activities on their doorsteps.”
