Arts Derbyshire Secures £99,900 from Arts Council England to Boost Cultural Initiatives Across the County

We are thrilled to announce the successful funding bid from Arts Council England. This significant grant of £99,900 will support three crucial strands of our organisation’s work, reinforcing our commitment to enriching Derbyshire’s cultural landscape.

Delivering a Landmark Project in 2025

The grant from Arts Council England will enable us to deliver a comprehensive programme designed to strengthen the local arts ecosystem and elevate the visibility of Derbyshire’s talented artists. We will collaborate with the local company The Tent People to create a spectacular touring environment, showcasing artists’ work at five Derbyshire festivals in 2025 and partnering with two indoor venues in key areas across the county.

We envisage an ambitious cross-artform presentation with staging for performance & digital capability to present further artworks on site and online. Artists will be identified via open call out, benefitting from the publicity to help them reach new audiences.

At its core, the project aims to provide essential support to artists and cultural organisations throughout Derbyshire. By offering professional development opportunities, mentorship, and resources, we aim to empower local creatives to enhance their practice and achieve greater success. Workshops, networking events, and one-on-one consultations will form part of this support, designed to address the specific needs and aspirations of our artists.

Community Engagement Through Social Prescribing

We recognise the transformative power of the arts in promoting well-being. With this funding, we will collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to integrate arts-based activities into social prescribing programs. Building on Arts Derbyshire’s national reputation for creative health work, with a key partnership with public health at Derbyshire County Council, we will use an arts-led approach to developing more innovative Social Prescribing practice in Derbyshire. We will focus on developing activity where there is currently little provision, challenging inequalities.

Organisational Development: Sustainability & Governance

Arts Derbyshire is committed to sustainability and growth. The grant will enable us to invest in our staff, governance, and strategic planning, strengthening our capacity to serve Derbyshire’s communities more effectively.

Three Strands Together That Will Provide A Boost for Local Communities & Tourism

The touring nature of this project will benefit artists and invigorate local communities, attracting visitors to Derbyshire. Each stop on the tour will offer opportunities for community involvement and collaboration, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our towns and cities. We anticipate that the project will boost local tourism and contribute positively to the regional economy.

To read the full press release, click here.

For more information about this project and the plans for 2025, please contact editor@artsderbyshire.org.uk