Wiltshire Creative amongst organisations to benefit from Wiltshire Council grant increase

Thursday, 20 February 2025 06:00

Wiltshire Council is demonstrating it is committed to the delivery of culture in the county by agreeing to uplift each of its grants to arts and heritage partners by 10% in 2025/26.

Underpinned by its Cultural Strategy, the council wants to ensure the county, and its communities continue to benefit from the social and economic benefits that arts, heritage and culture can bring.

In being mindful of the pressures facing the arts, culture and heritage sector in the current climate, the council’s uplift for 2025/26 will raise its funding in these areas to almost £379,000. The council funds four arts organisations across the county: Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury, Pound Arts in Corsham, Trowbridge Town Hall Arts, and Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon, with each delivering a range of programmes, including performances and work within their local communities to provide access to creative opportunities. Funding also goes to the Wiltshire Museum and Salisbury Museum.

Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, Cllr Richard Clewer said:, “As a council we recognise and value the importance of what the arts, culture and heritage sectors bring to the county. The benefits are felt not only in the economy and tourism but also support place shaping, helping to create vibrant communities and improve residents’ health and wellbeing.

“I am delighted that we have been able to increase our funding for next year and see it as an investment, providing our partners more opportunities to make arts, culture and creativity accessible to all.”

Artistic Director Gareth Machin and Executive Director Rosa Corbishley said of the grant: “We are delighted that Wiltshire Council has continued to build on its support of the thriving cultural sector in the county.

Wiltshire Creative reaches 250,000 people a year, with audiences travelling from across the county. Our Pantomime this year saw 25,000 people visit our venue of who 22% were first time attendees.

Over 20% of our audiences travelled 90mins to get to the show and contributed hugely to economic activity in the region. In addition, this support from Wiltshire Council will enable us to build on the 15,000 young people and community participants who take part in our vibrant education and community programmes each year.”

More information about the Wiltshire Cultural Strategy can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/945/Arts-service.