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🗞️ Guidance for applying to the Museum Transformation Programme is now live!

The Museum Transformation Programme is a £13.6million fund supporting museums in addressing long-term challenges and building sustainable and secure operating models fit for the future 💛

Applications open on 1 September and close at midday on 30 September.

Head to the link in our bio to read the guidance.

@dcmsgovuk

#Museums

Creative health x @bigissueuk, featuring cover art by @davidshrigley 🤝

Co‑curated by @londonartsandhealth, the @culturehealthwellbeingalliance, and @artshomelessint – all Investment Principles Support Organisations (IPSOs) – the special edition reflects the power of partnership in creative health, and brings together voices from grassroots practitioners to national organisations.

The issue features a wide range of Arts Council England‑funded organisations and projects, showcasing the breadth of creative health work happening across the country.

Pick up a copy from your local vendor this weekend to explore more, or head to the link in our bio to read our Creativity and Wellbeing Week deep-dive ☝️

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #CreativeHealth

Today we've published a new enquiry exploring career progression routes in South Asian dance.

The research brings together insights from artists, freelancers, teachers and organisations across England, highlighting both the vibrancy of the sector and the challenges shaping career development.

Alongside the enquiry, a new resource pack has been created to support practitioners by bringing together training opportunities, mentoring, funding programmes and sector networks in one accessible guide.

Together, these resources aim to strengthen connections across the dance ecology and support clearer progression routes for artists working across South Asian dance practices.

Read the report and resource pack (link in bio).

Image credit: Sonia Sabri Company

An unused parking bay in Taunton has turned into a vibrant nature hub for the community. 🌻

National Portfolio Organisation @somerset_art_works celebrated the official opening of their new outdoor reading space at Priorswood Library (@somersetlibraries). The ‘pocket park’ has transformed an unloved area into a creative, nature-friendly sanctuary for everyone.

Since 2024, lead artists @lucyoatees and Liz Gregory have conducted consultations and workshops to understand how the area can feel safer and more inclusive.

The project is part of Somerset Art Works’ ongoing Her Ground project, to make Lyngford Park welcoming for members of the community, specifically focusing on the needs and voices of women and girls.

Thanks to community partners Somerset Library Services, Taunton Town Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust, the #ACE-supported project space includes:

🎨 A striking floor mural

🌱 Wildlife-friendly planting and habitats

🌈 Seating and positive signage

🌼 Nature resources for learning

📖 Outdoor reading areas to pause, connect, and reflect

Image credit: Jon Barrett Photography (@jon_barrett_photos)

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #Somerset #CreativeCommunities

An unused parking bay in Taunton has turned into a vibrant nature hub for the community. 🌻

National Portfolio Organisation @somerset_art_works celebrated the official opening of their new outdoor reading space at Priorswood Library (@somersetlibraries). The ‘pocket park’ has transformed an unloved area into a creative, nature-friendly sanctuary for everyone.

Since 2024, lead artists @lucyoatees and Liz Gregory have conducted consultations and workshops to understand how the area can feel safer and more inclusive.

The project is part of Somerset Art Works’ ongoing Her Ground project, to make Lyngford Park welcoming for members of the community, specifically focusing on the needs and voices of women and girls.

Thanks to community partners Somerset Library Services, Taunton Town Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust, the #ACE-supported project space includes:

🎨 A striking floor mural

🌱 Wildlife-friendly planting and habitats

🌈 Seating and positive signage

🌼 Nature resources for learning

📖 Outdoor reading areas to pause, connect, and reflect

Image credit: Jon Barrett Photography (@jon_barrett_photos)

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #Somerset #CreativeCommunities

An unused parking bay in Taunton has turned into a vibrant nature hub for the community. 🌻

National Portfolio Organisation @somerset_art_works celebrated the official opening of their new outdoor reading space at Priorswood Library (@somersetlibraries). The ‘pocket park’ has transformed an unloved area into a creative, nature-friendly sanctuary for everyone.

Since 2024, lead artists @lucyoatees and Liz Gregory have conducted consultations and workshops to understand how the area can feel safer and more inclusive.

The project is part of Somerset Art Works’ ongoing Her Ground project, to make Lyngford Park welcoming for members of the community, specifically focusing on the needs and voices of women and girls.

Thanks to community partners Somerset Library Services, Taunton Town Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust, the #ACE-supported project space includes:

🎨 A striking floor mural

🌱 Wildlife-friendly planting and habitats

🌈 Seating and positive signage

🌼 Nature resources for learning

📖 Outdoor reading areas to pause, connect, and reflect

Image credit: Jon Barrett Photography (@jon_barrett_photos)

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #Somerset #CreativeCommunities

“For us, digital arts offer a powerful medium for thinking about how people experience the world around them.” 🌍

In January we announced that Digital Arts would become our tenth supported artform. For Abandon Normal Devices (AND), Digital Arts isn’t new, but the foundations of what they do.

We spoke to @abandon_normal_devices about the importance of recognising Digital Arts as an artform, and the exciting work they do, including the upcoming AND Festival in September which every year uses a new space to tell a story. ✨

This year the festival meets Barnsley’s ambitions to be the UK’s leading digital town, where artists have been invited to create immersive works that ask audiences to reflect on the infrastructures and systems that shape contemporary life in the ‘Tech Town’.

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to read more

Image credits:
1&2. The Blue Violet River by Anita Fontaine. AND Festival 2021. Photo by Chris Foster

#DigitalArts

“For us, digital arts offer a powerful medium for thinking about how people experience the world around them.” 🌍

In January we announced that Digital Arts would become our tenth supported artform. For Abandon Normal Devices (AND), Digital Arts isn’t new, but the foundations of what they do.

We spoke to @abandon_normal_devices about the importance of recognising Digital Arts as an artform, and the exciting work they do, including the upcoming AND Festival in September which every year uses a new space to tell a story. ✨

This year the festival meets Barnsley’s ambitions to be the UK’s leading digital town, where artists have been invited to create immersive works that ask audiences to reflect on the infrastructures and systems that shape contemporary life in the ‘Tech Town’.

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to read more

Image credits:
1&2. The Blue Violet River by Anita Fontaine. AND Festival 2021. Photo by Chris Foster

#DigitalArts

Last year, we supported local museums to mark the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, distributing over £400,000 in grants through the Museum Development network on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Across the country, museums brought Second World War stories to life, sharing powerful experiences, culture and histories through inspiring local projects.

Take a look at what Museum Development South East’s awardees delivered…🔎

📼 Museum Development South East

#ACESupported #Museums

Welcome to the Neuroverse! 💫

After receiving an autism diagnosis at 29, poet Matthew J Fowler began using creativity to explore his experiences and connect with others through poetry. ✍

With National Lottery Funding through Developing Your Creative Practice and support through @hubbubtheatre, Matthew created ‘Welcome to the Neuroverse’, a collection of poems and immersive performances that invite audiences into the world of autism and hidden disabilities - “It's a chance for people to see into my world.” 🌍Matthew J Fowler.

Matthew has since performed at festivals across Derbyshire and has been successful in receiving a National Lottery Project Grant to continue growing the Neuroverse community.

Find out more in our latest blog post, linked in our bio.

#ACESupported thanks to #NationalLottery players! 🤞

📷 Chris Webb Photography

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek

“Health is about living fully. And creativity, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful tools we have to get there.” 💬

It's Creativity and Wellbeing Week – a moment to celebrate how creativity supports health and wellbeing in communities across the country. 🎉

Delivered by @londonartsandhealth and the @culturehealthwellbeingalliance – both Investment Principles Support Organisations (IPSOs) – the festival returns with a continued focus on collaboration, diversity and innovation, and a theme of ‘Critical Hope’.

In our latest long-read, we explore how the festival has evolved, the partnerships behind it – including a special edition of @bigissueuk – and what’s next for creative health.

🔗 Read the full article via the link in our bio.

Image credit: @soundcastleteam © Gareth Wildig

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #CreativeHealth

“Health is about living fully. And creativity, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful tools we have to get there.” 💬

It's Creativity and Wellbeing Week – a moment to celebrate how creativity supports health and wellbeing in communities across the country. 🎉

Delivered by @londonartsandhealth and the @culturehealthwellbeingalliance – both Investment Principles Support Organisations (IPSOs) – the festival returns with a continued focus on collaboration, diversity and innovation, and a theme of ‘Critical Hope’.

In our latest long-read, we explore how the festival has evolved, the partnerships behind it – including a special edition of @bigissueuk – and what’s next for creative health.

🔗 Read the full article via the link in our bio.

Image credit: @soundcastleteam © Gareth Wildig

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #CreativeHealth

“Health is about living fully. And creativity, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful tools we have to get there.” 💬

It's Creativity and Wellbeing Week – a moment to celebrate how creativity supports health and wellbeing in communities across the country. 🎉

Delivered by @londonartsandhealth and the @culturehealthwellbeingalliance – both Investment Principles Support Organisations (IPSOs) – the festival returns with a continued focus on collaboration, diversity and innovation, and a theme of ‘Critical Hope’.

In our latest long-read, we explore how the festival has evolved, the partnerships behind it – including a special edition of @bigissueuk – and what’s next for creative health.

🔗 Read the full article via the link in our bio.

Image credit: @soundcastleteam © Gareth Wildig

#CreativityandWellbeingWeek #CreativeHealth

🔨 The sixth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), worth £25.25m, is here. Take a moment to read the guidance ahead of submitting an Expression of Interest via our portal.

If you are a non-national Accredited museum, or a local authority that maintains non-national Accredited museums, you can apply for:

👷‍️ Protecting building fabric or structure
🏛️ Upgrading your building services
🖼️ Protecting your exhibits and collections
🌿Improving environmental performance
🤝Addressing access barriers

Head to the link in our bio to read the full guidance and apply.

Image credit: London Transport Museum

In South Somerset, artists and children are helping shape a new future for their town centre.

Yeovil Art Space (@yeovilartspace) has secured £400,000 to lead on ‘Yeovil Reimagine’ - a new initiative in partnership with the local council. The two-year programme will create more opportunities for the community to come together and co-create a better future.

Made possible with a £200,000 grant from our National Lottery Place Partnership Fund and match-funding from partners, the programme will intend to deliver:

- New public realm commissions by major UK and international artists
- Creative enterprise opportunities for young people
- Free cultural events in everyday spaces

“Together, we can start to shape Yeovil town centre into a vibrant hub of activity for all, creating a place that people are proud to visit and call home,” says Natasha Rand, Engagement Director at Yeovil Art Space and Connect Somerset Champion.

🔗 Tap the link in bio to read more.


Image credits:

1. Yeovil Art Weekender 2026. Credit Kiera Miles.
2. Picture By Jim Wileman – Yeovil Art Space, Yeovil, Somerset.
3. Yeovil Art Space Summer School with artist Lupe Velazquez and Jojo Ives, 2025. Courtesy of Yeovil Art Space.


@nationallotterygoodcauses #ThanksToYou #SouthSomerset #PlacePartnership

In South Somerset, artists and children are helping shape a new future for their town centre.

Yeovil Art Space (@yeovilartspace) has secured £400,000 to lead on ‘Yeovil Reimagine’ - a new initiative in partnership with the local council. The two-year programme will create more opportunities for the community to come together and co-create a better future.

Made possible with a £200,000 grant from our National Lottery Place Partnership Fund and match-funding from partners, the programme will intend to deliver:

- New public realm commissions by major UK and international artists
- Creative enterprise opportunities for young people
- Free cultural events in everyday spaces

“Together, we can start to shape Yeovil town centre into a vibrant hub of activity for all, creating a place that people are proud to visit and call home,” says Natasha Rand, Engagement Director at Yeovil Art Space and Connect Somerset Champion.

🔗 Tap the link in bio to read more.


Image credits:

1. Yeovil Art Weekender 2026. Credit Kiera Miles.
2. Picture By Jim Wileman – Yeovil Art Space, Yeovil, Somerset.
3. Yeovil Art Space Summer School with artist Lupe Velazquez and Jojo Ives, 2025. Courtesy of Yeovil Art Space.


@nationallotterygoodcauses #ThanksToYou #SouthSomerset #PlacePartnership

In South Somerset, artists and children are helping shape a new future for their town centre.

Yeovil Art Space (@yeovilartspace) has secured £400,000 to lead on ‘Yeovil Reimagine’ - a new initiative in partnership with the local council. The two-year programme will create more opportunities for the community to come together and co-create a better future.

Made possible with a £200,000 grant from our National Lottery Place Partnership Fund and match-funding from partners, the programme will intend to deliver:

- New public realm commissions by major UK and international artists
- Creative enterprise opportunities for young people
- Free cultural events in everyday spaces

“Together, we can start to shape Yeovil town centre into a vibrant hub of activity for all, creating a place that people are proud to visit and call home,” says Natasha Rand, Engagement Director at Yeovil Art Space and Connect Somerset Champion.

🔗 Tap the link in bio to read more.


Image credits:

1. Yeovil Art Weekender 2026. Credit Kiera Miles.
2. Picture By Jim Wileman – Yeovil Art Space, Yeovil, Somerset.
3. Yeovil Art Space Summer School with artist Lupe Velazquez and Jojo Ives, 2025. Courtesy of Yeovil Art Space.


@nationallotterygoodcauses #ThanksToYou #SouthSomerset #PlacePartnership

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

What happens when creativity brings out someone's potential? 🎈

Bamboozle Theatre (@bamboozletheatre) is a Leicester-based NPO that has been providing creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic young people and their families for over 30 years.

Their latest production, Airship, is an immersive, sensory show for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. It’s inspired by Eye of the Storm, a book written by 22-year-old Amy Mayo.

Amy has been attending Bamboozle productions since she was 5 years old. She has severe cerebral palsy, complex medical needs and communicates by blinking. When she was growing up, her family were often told what she wouldn’t be able to do. But Bamboozle were different. They believed in her potential. And they created a space where she could feel heard, included and empowered to express herself creatively.

“Bamboozle will always hold a sentimental value for me as one of the first places that I felt understood with no judgment.” ✨ Amy Mayo.

Read Amy’s story at the link in bio.

#ACEsupported thanks to the #NationalLottery

📷 Bamboozle’s production of Airship which is designed for audiences who might be described as having profound and multiple learning disabilities. Photos by Darren Staples Photography

📖 Libraries Development Framework – applications now open!

As a national recognition and celebration of outstanding and impactful practice in libraries, the Framework highlights services delivering excellent work for their communities and supports continued improvement across the sector.

The deadline to apply is 12pm, 22 July 2026.

Find out more and apply via the link in our bio 👆

#LibrariesDevelopment #Libraries