The fund was created to boost cultural activity, widen participation and support creativity across the county. This year’s successful projects span festivals, youth arts programmes, heritage initiatives, wellbeing-focused activities and community-led creative work, with grants ranging from £2,000 to £20,000. Among the projects funded are:
- Frame the Future at DanceEast an eight-week creative intervention using hip hop dance and film to support young people at risk of exclusion in Ipswich. Delivered in partnership with schools and specialist artists, it aims to build confidence, skills and wellbeing through co-creation.
- he Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum has secured funding to refurbish its accessible railway carriage, maintaining inclusive access for wheelchair users, families and visitors with additional needs, while supporting volunteer-led heritage restoration skills.
- The Bloom Community Engagement Programme, delivered by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, offers year-round participatory theatre and workshops across West Suffolk, including youth theatre, SEND provision, over-55s sessions and an annual Bloom Festival to strengthen community connections.
Cllr Nadia Cenci, Cabinet Member for Communities at Suffolk County Council, said:
“I’m delighted that we are able to support such a vibrant mix of cultural projects through this year’s Culture Project Fund. These initiatives show the imagination, talent and community spirit that make Suffolk such a special place.
“What stands out is how many of these projects are rooted in local people, supporting wellbeing, nurturing young talent and bringing creativity into our towns, villages and rural communities. The benefits of these art projects cannot be underestimated. They can change the lives of our communities across the county.”
The Culture Project Fund continues to support both established organisations and grassroots groups, strengthening Suffolk’s cultural landscape. Last year’s programme delivered meaningful outcomes, from improving wellbeing and confidence to widening access to heritage and cultural experiences.
One example was Status Creative CIC’s Creative Connections in Lowestoft, which brought together people with lived experience of domestic abuse through creative writing, poetry and music workshops in a safe, supportive space. Participants reported improved wellbeing, stronger social connections and renewed confidence.
Another was Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust’s Tide Mill Museum 3D Tour, which created an immersive online experience featuring 42 learning points, videos and audio content, enabling people worldwide, including those unable to travel to explore the historic mill year-round.
This year’s funded projects build on that growing legacy, ensuring culture continues to inspire, connect and enrich communities across Suffolk for years to come.
The full list of organisation receiving funding can be found here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/cultureprojectfund
