We have been awarded funding as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which sees £42 million invested in 45 programmes from 2026–29, to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average.
We aim to create pride and joy through arts and culture, especially for people who are often underrepresented. Across Medway and Swale, we run creative activities and events that bring communities together and make a real difference in people’s lives. We encourage collaboration between local residents, artists, activists, and partner organisations to inspire positive change for both people and places. By engaging communities, taking creative risks, and building strong partnerships, we continue to explore new ways of making creativity part of everyday life.
CPPs bring together community, grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities. CPPs are empowering local people to pursue the art they want, where they live.
This funding is made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Every National Lottery ticket purchased generates money for good causes and enables people in villages, towns, and cities up and down the country to get access to cultural experiences where they live.
Stephen Perez, Chair of the Consortium, Ideas Test said: “Receiving this funding is amazing news for Medway and Swale areas. The sustained work we’ve delivered, supported by Arts Council England, has profoundly demonstrated that grassroots creativity is more than cultural consumption, particularly in previously underserved areas facing social and economic challenges, it is a foundational investment for a better future across our rich and diverse landscape. Securing this further funding from ACE will allow us to nurture and deepen the established, vital roots of our artistic community. This investment guarantees that our innovative arts programming will not merely reflect our communities, it will actively forge the collaboration and resilience necessary for sustained growth, powerfully building upon the extraordinary joint work already achieved.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England is proud to support Ideas Test through Creative People and Places. This inspiring programme shows us how to shape a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape in communities where cultural engagement has historically been low. We’re excited to see how this work continues to empower people to reimagine their place through creativity.”
If you have any questions or would like to interview someone at Ideas Test, please contact contact@ideastest.co.uk
