Funding Boost for Swindon’s Arts. Swindon’s arts and culture sector to take centre stage thanks to £600,000 funding boost.
An exciting £1.3m two-year programme of arts and cultural activity has been launched in Swindon.
It comes after Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund today (12 Aug) committed £600,000 to the programme. It’s set to:
Establish Swindon as a festival town
Unlock new opportunities and spaces for arts and culture …
… and map out progression pathways for people keen to develop their own creativity.
A new not-for-profit organisation, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, will lead the programme. It’ll support the network of arts and cultural organisations known (until now) as the Magic Swindon Network.
Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council, one of the project’s partners, has appointed Kate Wyatt into a new role of Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events. This is in recognition of the important role arts and culture has on the future development of the Borough. And while also directing the Council’s support of the project and providing strategic input.
Funding Boost for Swindon’s Arts – young people engaged in a creative activity
Swindon Culture Collective
Swindon Culture Collective will bring together the town’s rich and vibrant community of cultural organisations and grassroots activity. It will increase collaboration and visibility of everything the town has to offer. Further it aims to increase arts and cultural participation and inclusion. And celebrate Swindon’s creative and cultural life.
Over 100 local artists and organisations, including Swindon Borough Council, have together developed the programme.
Funding Boost for Swindon’s Arts – arts council england logo
Supporting Arts Council England’s investment are further pledges of £770,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from local partners:
Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said: ‘This bid was the culmination of a huge amount of work by artists and cultural organisations across Swindon. They came together to identify the strengths of the cultural sector in Swindon. And to bring the confidence and determination that working together we can achieve much more.
‘I want to thank the Arts Council for their support. Along with every single person who has been working with us so far and those who will help to get the work done over the next two years.’
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West, said: ‘We’re proud to award £600,000 in Place Partnership funding to Swindon Culture Collective. This marks a pivotal moment in the town’s cultural journey. The investment reflects the shared ambition of local artists, organisations and communities to build an inclusive, creative offer. And I’m especially pleased to see the council appoint a new head of culture. This is sure to galvanise the local sector. It’ll further establish Swindon as one of the country’s leading centres for innovation and inclusion. It’s thanks to public funding, we’re able to support bold, strategic projects like this. All helping to:
transform public spaces
improve wellbeing
develop local talent and open up accessible opportunities for all. I look forward to hearing about the positive benefits this programme brings residents and businesses for many years to come.’
Gratitude to partners
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: ‘This is an exciting day for Swindon. We have a thriving and impressive art community in the town, with a breadth of talent, artforms and events that never fails to inspire me.
I’m grateful to our partners in Arts Council England for recognising Swindon’s excellence. And for committing such significant funding to such a brilliant programme. Swindon’s arts community have and will continue to shape the work. We hope it will help bring our existing arts offer to new audiences and increase residents’ engagement with the arts.
‘As a council we’re committed to the life-enhancing power of art. And we also recognise the important role the cultural industries can play in regeneration and economic growth. We have therefore appointed our first ever Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, Kate Wyatt. She’ll lead our work on making Swindon a thriving cultural hub. I look forward to working with Kate and our wonderful partners as we embark on this important journey.’
THE BEST SUPPORTS BEST. Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, paralympic champion and motivational public speaker is joining with local charity, BEST. All to support their mission to help young people in the Swindon and Wiltshire area.
Chris is a multi-award-winning judoka. He’s also one of the most decorated athletes in his field, winning a gold medal in Tokyo and bronze in Paris 2024. He retired from competitive sport in 2025, and is a judo teacher, mentor and motivational speaker. He’s also a loud disability and inclusion advocate.
Since his retirement, Chris has taken it as his mission to help as many people reach their personal goals. He has joined with BEST as their athlete mentor.
‘I help support the people at BEST to enjoy themselves. I get them involved in whatever physical activity they’re interested in. Whether that be in the gym, boxing, or Brazilian Jujitsu. It’s such a fantastic place to work and a safe environment to try different sports,’ said Chris. ‘I’m very proud to be working with a fantastic team.’
The Best Supports BEST – Chris with the BEST team.
Be the BEST
BEST – Be a Better You, is a Swindon-based charity. It provides fun, accessible sessions for young people of all abilities to progress to a positive future. They use skilled and understanding mentors and sports coaches to increase young people’s confidence and emotional resilience.
‘Chris has been working with us for a few months. He’s person-centred and he figures out ways to get young people to engage with judo,’ Craig Hiscock, Manager at BEST, said. ‘I don’t think it’s sunk in for the young people, Chris’ achievements and who he is. To them he’s like any other member of staff. They see him as one of the team. The staff are more in awe of him. He is inspirational.’
Chris continued to discuss why the charity’s work is vital for the Swindon and Wiltshire community.
‘I got involved with BEST because I like what they’re trying to do. Helping people find their feet and act as a good support for young people. As young adults, it’s difficult for them to understand where they want to go. In going to BEST they have escapism and support in helping them understand what direction their future can take.’
BEST means a place for people to escape the outside world when times are tough. It’s a fantastic place find and be yourself.’
Southby & Co Charity Donations continue. Wroughton-based, Southby & Co Financial Planning, continues its charity tour across Wiltshire. They’re presenting the first of several donations from a £5,000 award pot they received earlier this year.
In the latest leg of their giving journey, company founder Dave Southby and his team presented £1,500 to The Kelly Foundation and £750 to Wiltshire Treehouse. They’re two local charities close to their hearts.
The donations come as part of Southby & Co’s win of the St. James’s Place Responsible Business of the Year award. The award recognised their strong community focus and responsible business practices. The company distributes the £5,000 prize to causes of their choosing, and Dave’s team knew exactly where to start.
‘’In all honesty, it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. Handing over those cheques in person and seeing the passion these charities bring to our community,’ said Dave.
‘We’re excited to continue our little tour of giving. Every visit reinforces how much of a difference even a small donation can make.’
Southby & Co Charity Donations -Wiltshire Tree House Cheque
Supported so far
The Kelly Foundation, Southby & Co’s Charity of the Year in 2024, offers critical mental health support for adults in the Swindon area. Their services include advocacy, life coaching and counselling for those facing emotional and psychological challenges.
Wiltshire Treehouse provides specialist bereavement support for children and young people across the region. Their team works to ensure that no young person has to navigate grief without the tools, support, and compassion they need.
Both organisations have expressed heartfelt thanks to Dave and his team for their ongoing support.
These donations are part of a wider giving initiative from Southby & Co. Other recipients of the fund include:
Swindon Night Shelter
The Platform Project
Avon Needs Trees
Vision for Wroughton
and CALM – a local charity supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
This summer, Dave and the team are also preparing to walk 24 miles from Bath to Devizes in support of CALM. All with Dave wearing a tortoise costume in honour of the charity’s logo.
‘This walk is going to be a real challenge. But it’s nothing compared to what some families are facing when their child is going through cancer treatment,’ said Dave. “If pulling on a tortoise costume and trekking 24 miles helps raise awareness and funds, then I’m more than happy to do it, blisters and all!’
To find out more about Southby & Co Financial Planning or follow the team’s community work, visit: www.southbyfp.co.uk
Grant aid for charities that connect young people with nature. Charity and non-profit organisations, that promote the benefits of being outdoors to young people, may apply for a grant.
Funded by Gloucestershire-based education charity The Ernest Cook Tust, the trust only offers the Communities Grant to organisations located in the Swindon, Gloucestershire and Bristol areas. That’s those with postcodes SN, GL or BS.
Grant Aid for Charities – a charity in action thanks to help from the Ernest Cook trust
The grant aims to encourage young people aged from 11 to 19 (or up to 25 years old for special educational needs and disabilities), from under-served communities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Evidence shows that, from around 11 years of age, children’s connection with nature often declines.
Successful charities can put the funds can towards travel costs to natural open spaces. Or to pay for kit like wellies and waterproofs for young people to wear. Lack of equipment and the cost of transport are also identified as barriers to young people getting outdoors.
They can also use the grant to enhance or create nature areas in the local community. Such things as ponds, raised beds or sensory gardens. Or to buy resources to help young people engage in the outdoors, like bird boxes or craft materials.
The Communities Grant isn’t available for schools. But The Ernest Cook Trust runs a similar scheme that schools can apply for, called the Outdoor Essentials Grant.
Spiritual Reset at Wiltshire Retreat. A one-day spiritual retreat timed to coincide with one of the most energy-charged days of the year will take place in Wiltshire this August. It’s offering attendees the chance to reconnect with their inner truth, align with cosmic energy and experience deep personal renewal.
Louise Muir-Sage, Reiki practitioner and founder of Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett, will host the one-day retreat in Wanborough this August. The event’s aimed at anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with themselves. And explore their spiritual side in a calm and welcoming space.
A reset button for the soul
The energy around the Lionsgate Portal can feel like a reset button for the soul,’ said Louise. Louise is the founder of crystal shop Something Kind of Woo in Royal Wootton Bassett. ‘It’s a powerful time to get honest with yourself, shift old patterns and set intentions for what’s next. But in a grounded and gentle way.’
The retreat includes:
Energy healing with intuitive practitioner Alison Seaman
A sound bath and gentle movement session with Jazz Mutch of Mind Body & Soul
Guided journalling and oracle card exploration …
… as well as creative workshops to help guests express and process what’s unfolding for them. Time in nature is also woven through the day, offering space for reflection, grounding and deep stillness.
Guests will also receive a Lionsgate gift bag filled with handpicked tools to continue their spiritual practice at home.
Spiritual Reset at Wiltshire Retreat. Louise Muir-Sage, Reiki practitioner and founder of Something Kind of Woo, will host Sirius Rising: The Heart of the Portal on Friday 8 August at Great Moorleaze Farm in Wiltshire.
Location, location, location
Held in a peaceful countryside setting, the event welcomes adults and older children aged 10+, with a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
I know spirituality can sometimes seem intimidating or a bit ‘woo’,” added Louise. ‘But this is for anyone who’s curious, overwhelmed, or in need of some space to breathe. You don’t have to be spiritual to benefit. But it helps to be open to the idea that rest and reflection can do us all a world of good.’
Sirius Rising: The Heart of the Portal takes place on Friday 8 August. From 10am to 4pm, at Great Moorleaze Farm, Wanborough, SN4 0SW. Tickets are £60 for adults (16+) and £44 for under-16s.
