This September, we launched the Suffolk County Council Culture Project Fund, a £500,000 initiative aimed at supporting arts and museum projects across the county. This fund is a significant investment in our cultural sector, and it reflects our commitment to improving the wellbeing and resilience of our communities. I want to see Suffolk’s arts organisations, cultural groups, and community leaders thrive, and this fund is designed to make that possible.
The fund will provide vital financial support to a range of projects, both large and small, that align with our key priorities—health and wellbeing, economic development, environmental sustainability, and value for money. I believe in the power of culture to improve lives, and that’s why we’re encouraging arts and culture organisations across Suffolk to apply.
One of the main goals of the Culture Project Fund is to create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities. We know that arts and culture play a critical role in enhancing people’s mental and physical health, reducing isolation, and fostering connections between individuals and groups.
We particularly want to support projects that reach our most vulnerable residents—whether that’s people who are isolated, living on low incomes, or from marginalised communities.
We also recognise the important role that arts and culture play in driving Suffolk’s economy. Through the Culture Project Fund, we’re aiming to support projects that develop skills, create jobs, and promote local social enterprises. We want to see Suffolk’s cultural organisations not just surviving but growing and contributing to the county’s wider economic development.
Whether you’re working on a community art project, launching a new museum exhibition, or setting up a creative social enterprise, we want to help you succeed. This fund is designed to provide flexible support, with three tiers of grants to suit different types of projects—from small grassroots initiatives to larger, more established programmes. We’re offering small grants up to £1,500, medium grants up to £15,000, and large grants up to £50,000.
I’ve worked hard to ensure that this fund is accessible to as many organisations as possible. We know that applying for funding can be a daunting process, so we’ve streamlined the application process to make it easier for everyone to apply. Whether you’re a registered charity, a community interest company, a non-profit, or a freelance professional working in the arts or museum sector, we want to hear from you.
We’re particularly keen to see applications from organisations that focus on reaching people who may not normally have access to cultural opportunities. This is about making arts and culture available to everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.
The Culture Project Fund is a fantastic opportunity for arts and cultural organisations across Suffolk to make a real difference in their communities. I believe in the power of culture to transform lives, and I’m excited to see the innovative and inspiring projects that will emerge from this fund.
Applications are now open, and we urge all eligible organisations to apply. This is your chance to secure funding that can help you create projects with a lasting impact.
For more information or to apply, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/cultureprojectfund or contact our Arts & Museum Team at cultureprojectfund@suffolk.gov.uk.
