Arts Council England Boost for Creativity at University

10 November 2022

The University of Lincoln, UK is celebrating this week after the announcement that its bid to join Arts Council England's National Portfolio of Organisations has been successful. 

The University of Lincoln, UK is celebrating this week after the announcement that its bid to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations has been successful.

This recognition, from the foremost agency for creativity and culture, means that the University of Lincoln can now be considered one of the premier venues for arts and cultural provision in the UK.

This also means that the University of Lincoln is one of just 12 universities in the UK to be part of the National Portfolio of Organisations.

The announcement is made even more prestigious by the high quality of all the organisations who applied for this round of funding, and the tough decisions that have been made by Arts Council England.

Professor Abigail Woods, Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Arts at the University of Lincoln said:

“The fantastic news for arts and creativity in Lincolnshire continues with this announcement, which comes a few days after the news that our region will benefit from £1.2 million as part of the Create Growth Programme.

“We are delighted to see an investment in the city with several organisations benefiting from significant rises and new entrants, all adding to the creative successes throughout Lincoln.

“This is an exciting time for the creative sector in Lincolnshire, and we have even more to look forward to with the new creative direction of Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and the opening of the Barbican Creative Hub in 2023.

“The University of Lincoln has certainly established itself as a key driver for growth in the arts and creative industry in Lincolnshire and beyond.”

Ben Anderson, Creative and Executive Director for Lincoln Performing Arts Centre said:

“Becoming a National Portfolio Organisation is transformational for the role that the University plays in developing the cultural ecology of Lincoln and the county.

“Through its cultural assets, the University’s programme will include events, festivals and a set of permanent and temporary artworks, performances, and installations in collaboration with partners that use technology, connect internationally and are underpinned by research and knowledge exchange through conferences and symposia.

“In an increasingly competitive funding environment, we are humbled to be given this responsibility. With that in mind we will seek to build partnerships with other arts and non-arts-based organisations, and will deliver on our commitments to the climate, to championing diversity and connecting the people of Lincolnshire with ambitious, relevant, and quality artistic experiences.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director, Arts Council England said:

 “Lincoln Performing Arts Centre provides strong artistic programming, talent development and creative learning programmes to ensure the next generation of artists flourish.

 “We’re delighted to be funding them over the next three years and it’ll be great to see them showcase new and emerging talent.”

 Sir Nicholas Serota Chair of Arts Council England said:

“As well as continuing our commitment to our many established and renowned cultural organisations, I am deeply proud of the support we will be giving to those new organisations which will help ignite creativity across the country. 

“We are facing economic pressures at present but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists.

“In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.”

As part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Organisations, the University will receive three years of funding from 2023 to deliver projects and activities at Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and The Barbican Creative Hub.