Arts & Heritage

We want to see creative projects and cultural spaces that welcome everyone, especially those who have faced barriers to taking part. The arts should reflect and include the full diversity of our communities, which means adapting spaces, rethinking programmes, and creating new ways for people to express how they want to get involved.

We support work that delivers on the following outcomes:

Broadens access to arts and culture through adaptations of programmes and facilities 

• Creative activity is delivered in local spaces, meeting communities where they are. 
• Venues, interpretation and presentation of creative projects are made accessible.
• Staff and volunteers are trained and able to offer inclusive support. Delivered through our funding to Buckinghamshire Culture.  

Provides targeted engagement for underrepresented groups  

• For example, for those with additional physical and learning needs, for young people, and those in the criminal justice system. 
• Activities that help young people to connect with creative learning. Delivered through our Schools Access Fund for Waddesdon Manor. 

Empowers a diverse range of people to shape a cultural offer that reflects and represents their experiences

• Activity developed through consultation, participation and co-creation.

We aim to contribute to a resilient and dynamic cultural sector in Buckinghamshire, powered by skilled creative professionals and strong leadership. Our funding supports innovation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing to diversify the creative offer and grow audiences. We encourage sustainable creative organisations through smarter working and development of diverse revenue streams. By opening up new pathways into creative careers we want to make sure that emerging talent can thrive and shape creativity in Buckinghamshire.

We support work that delivers on the following outcomes:

Builds capacity and professional development opportunities for creative professionals

• Support in programming, marketing, audience development and fundraising. Delivered through our funding to Buckinghamshire Culture.
• Supporting creative pathways and career development, through work placements and volunteering opportunities.

Develops collaborations and partnerships between cultural and other sectors including Higher Education, benefitting creative projects and business planning

• For example, through outreach with community organisations. Development of shared projects, services and joint procurement.

Explores new ideas and approaches, embedding a culture of learning, testing and adapting

• Actively testing ideas, gathering feedback, and applying what’s learned to improve ongoing practice.

Targeted support for creative leaders to be ambitious, entrepreneurial and fulfil their organisation’s creative mission

• Leadership training and networks. Delivered through our funding to Buckinghamshire Culture.

Buckinghamshire Culture is an independent charity that supports and promotes arts, heritage, and culture across the county.

Visit Buckinghamshire Culture to:

• Learn about sector development events, networks, advice, and resources on topics like sustainability, co-commissioning, and inclusive practice.
• Take part in county-wide creative events like Open Weekend and share your work.
• Explore current projects and creative activity happening across the county.

Visit the site