Peterborough Presents awarded £800,000 Funding
We’re so pleased to share that Peterborough Presents has been awarded £800,000 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.
Peterborough Presents has been running since 2015, working closely with residents in neighbourhoods across Peterborough to develop new creative activities and events. The team work closely with communities over 3 – 5 years to understand what they want to see happen and then work together to realise their ideas. Their work in Millfield, Eye and Westwood has previously seen the development of Eye Lantern Parades, restoration of Millfield Link mural, new murals, films, magic shows and new craft and dance groups. The next 3 years will see them work in Eye, Dogsthorpe / Welland, Fengate and develop work with the South Asian communities, young adults and those who identify as Deaf Disabled or Neurodivergent.
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.
Sarah Haythornthwaite, Programme Director at Peterborough Presents added: “We are delighted to be successful with our funding from Arts Council (ACE). This commitment from ACE will allow us to continue the great work we have been developing with communities and partners in Peterborough. It is always an honour to co-commission with our communities. Peterborough is seen to have a lower than average engagement in creativity and culture. We know that often, this isn’t because people don’t want to take part but because what is on offer isn’t relevant to them or maybe transport, cost or time stops them getting involved. It is by working together with communities that we are able to make high quality, accessible creative activity that is meaningful to the residents of the city, whether that is lantern parades, magic shows, films, or exhibitions around disability rights. These activities bring communities together, give them a voice, support people’s wellbeing and celebrate hidden creativity. We also get to invest in established artists from Peterborough and beyond and locally based creatives at the start of their careers. Over the next 3 years we will be getting to know new neighbourhoods and communities and we can’t wait to see what we create together.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:“Peterborough Presents is empowering communities to shape their own creative futures. Through bold partnerships and inclusive programming, it’s making culture more accessible, diverse, and locally driven. We are proud to support this transformative work through Creative People and Places.”
Peterborough Presents is hosted by Nene Park Trust and supported by a consortium of partners such as – Nene Park Trust, Metal, Eastern Angles, PCVS, Peterborough City Council and Creative Lives.
