New Forest-based arts consortium Culture in Common receives £1m Arts Council England boost for community-led projects

THE New Forest is to benefit from a £1m Arts Council England cash boost to fund community-led projects over the next three years.

Awarded to the New Forest-based arts consortium Culture in Common, the funding is part of the largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which is designed to deliver grassroots-led cultural experiences to the local community. The £45m pot will be shared between 42 programmes across the country from 2026 to 2029.

Founded in 2022, Culture in Common works to celebrate the cultural richness of the district and empower those people that may not usually get involved in creative experiences. Previous events Culture in Common has supported include Ringwood Carnival, Milford Music Festival and Hythe Pirate Day.

In the last three years the consortium has worked with over 71,000 residents to foster a shared sense of belonging and local identity through inclusive arts and culture activities. The new program will build on this success, as lead partner Energise Me collaborates with Folio, the Handy Trust, NFDC, and the national park authority to programme festivals and events that will engage people of all backgrounds and ages. Key communities targeted include Totton, the Waterside, New Milton, Pennington, and the Avon Valley.

The CCPs are designed to bring together the community and grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities.

In the New Forest, Culture in Common has already connected with thousands of residents through inclusive arts and cultural activities, such as youth clubs, D-Day and Railway 200 commemorations and celebrating heritage crafts, with a programme that has been developed by local people, for local people.

Culture in Common programme director Jacqui Ibbotson said: “We’ve already reached more than 71,000 people in the New Forest since 2022 and we’ve got big plans with our partners over next three years.

“We’ll be continuing to bring professional performances to community halls, supporting champions with much loved local events, exploring Creative Health with our 15+ arts for wellbeing clubs and co-creating special projects with isolated groups of all ages and backgrounds.”

Jacqui continued: “In December, Luke Jerram’s Lullaby will ring out from community cycle rides in three towns in the Forest and we will soon be announcing the exciting new commission of a mobile arts centre. There’ll be environment projects with young people, creative health events, and we’ll keep supporting arts and crafts workshops where everyone can get involved. Everything will be tailored to what New Forest residents tell us they want to see for their community.”

The funding for the award has been made possible by National Lottery players, as ticket sales generate money for good causes which creates opportunities for people to have cultural experiences where they live.

Arts Council England south west area director Phil Gibby, said “We believe that local communities are the experts when it comes to shaping the cultural life of the places where they live and work. “That’s why, over the next three years, we’re investing £2.5m of National Lottery funding in three South West projects that will see arts organisations and partners work directly with communities to deliver creativity on people’s doorsteps.”

NFDC cabinet member for community, Cllr Dan Poole, said: “We’re delighted that this funding has been awarded to Culture in Common, bringing an exciting opportunity to enhance our district through inclusive arts and cultural activities.

“Creative experiences bring people together and enrich the places we live, and we look forward to working together with our local partners to provide opportunities that inspire and engage our community.”