Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Working in Doncaster, this project will explore the complex barriers which prevent people from accessing Cast’s arts programme and will test ways to overcome these obstacles.

‘We’re Here Because We’re Here’ was a public art event created by Turner-prize winning artist Jeremy Deller and the National Theatre’s Artistic Director Rufus Norris. This event commemorated the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916. Some 1400 young men aged 16-30 took part in this work and for many it was their first experience of participating in the arts. Commissioned by 14-18 NOW and produced in partnership with 8 major theatres, 56 regional theatres and many community groups, this project sought not only to create an extraordinary piece of participatory work, but also to look at new models of sector partnership and learning.

20 Stories High is a theatre company and charity based in the Toxteth area of Liverpool. It aims to empower and improve aspirations and skills for young people, targeting the most marginalised groups. Through a four year programme of outreach, training, collaboration and evaluation, 20 Stories High will deepen its understanding of how access to and participation in the arts can impact positively on young people’s mental health.

42nd Street is a Manchester based charity that supports young people with their mental health and wellbeing. This grant will support the organisation to develop the Horsfall arts programme and to integrate this initiative into 42nd Street’s wider offer.

ACTA is a community theatre, which engages people from marginalised communities from across Bristol in the creation and performance of their own original theatre. This grant will support ACTA’s core programme and Foundation initiative. This includes delivering participatory theatre activities with new community groups, training and mentoring a new generation of community theatre facilitators and contributing to sector development through CPD sessions and quarterly seminars.

Action Space London supports the development of artists with learning disabilities. It plans to trial half-day workshops in public spaces across London. These will be facilitated by people with learning disabilities to enable their peers to explore their creativity and enjoyment of visual arts.

An Talla Solias gallery will test a new curatorial framework designed to better reach local audiences including families, people with lower incomes and the elderly. It will use this experience to embed a culture of reflective practice and develop a new engagement strategy tailored to its local context.

ARC Stockton is a multi-artform performing arts centre. In partnership with The Albany (Deptford), it will explore whether a free ticket scheme for primary aged schoolchildren can provide every child with the same early access to the arts, regardless of background. It will trial a new model of fundraising, using philanthropic giving, as a potentially sustainable means to support this scheme in the future.

The Architecture Centre works across the South West to engage people in design, architecture and place-making. Through this grant, the centre will test a model of long-term partnership working in early years settings in areas of multiple deprivation. The project aims to engage young audiences with place-based learning activities, including sensory walks and visits to local cultural venues.

Arcola Theatre is renowned for presenting diverse and accessible work. Through this grant, it will develop a robust evidence base for the impact of its community theatre group and create a framework to support current groups to establish independent practice.