Swindon’s arts and culture scene is set for a major lift following a £600,000 funding boost from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund.
The funding will help deliver a £1.3 million, two-year programme designed to position Swindon as a festival town, open up new spaces for creativity, and support people looking to develop their artistic talents.
A newly formed not-for-profit, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, will lead the project, building on the work of the Magic Swindon Network and uniting over 100 local artists and organisations. The aim is to increase participation, bring greater visibility to local arts, and ensure opportunities are open to all sections of the community.
Swindon Borough Council, a key partner in the project, has also appointed Kate Wyatt as the town’s first Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events – a role that will provide strategic guidance and support as the programme develops.
The total investment combines the Arts Council’s contribution with a further £770,000 in cash and in-kind support from local partners, including New Elements, Prime Theatre, Swindon Music Centre, South Swindon Parish Council, Gel Studios, Network Rail, and £312,000 from Swindon Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said the funding was the result of a shared vision:
“This bid reflects the determination and confidence of Swindon’s artists and cultural organisations. We’ve identified our strengths and challenges and believe that, by working together, we can achieve much more. This funding gives us the platform to make that happen.”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s South West Area Director, described the investment as “a pivotal moment” for Swindon, adding that it would help develop local talent, create accessible opportunities, and transform public spaces.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning at Swindon Borough Council, called the funding “an exciting step forward” and praised the breadth of talent within the town’s arts community.
The programme will begin rolling out later this year, with events, festivals, and community projects expected to run throughout the two-year period – a move set to strengthen Swindon’s position as a vibrant cultural hub.
