URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2425

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Strategy, Digital and Leisure, Libraries & Culture

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To approve the continuation of funding to Wiltshire Council's four core arts and heritage partners as shown below and to approve the allocation of grant funding for the duration of the agreement, subject to annual review and the availability of Council funding. TABLE 1 URN Organisation Grant Period Grant Amount 2026/27 Grant Amount 2027/28 Subject to Annual Review Grant Amount 2028/29 Subject to Annual Review Total Grant Amount  FS2537 The Pound Arts Trust Limited THREE Years   01 April 2026 - 31 March 2029 £53,898 £53,898 £53,898 £161,694 FS2539 The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust £22,320 £22,320 £22,320 £66,960 FS2540 The Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Limited £21,656 £21,656 £21,656 £64,968 FS2542 Wiltshire Creative ONE Year 01 April 2026 - 31 March 2027 £189,390 Will be dealt with under separate Grant Agreements if approved. £189,390  

Content: To approve the continuation of funding to Wiltshire Council's four core arts and heritage partners as shown below and to approve the allocation of grant funding for the duration of the agreement, subject to annual review and the availability of Council funding. TABLE 1 URN Organisation Grant Period Grant Amount 2026/27 Grant Amount 2027/28 Subject to Annual Review Grant Amount 2028/29 Subject to Annual Review Total Grant Amount  FS2537 The Pound Arts Trust Limited THREE Years   01 April 2026 - 31 March 2029 £53,898 £53,898 £53,898 £161,694 FS2539 The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust £22,320 £22,320 £22,320 £66,960 FS2540 The Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Limited £21,656 £21,656 £21,656 £64,968 FS2542 Wiltshire Creative ONE Year 01 April 2026 - 31 March 2027 £189,390 Will be dealt with under separate Grant Agreements if approved. £189,390   Following consultation with officers I give notice that I intend to approve the grants as set out in this report.   This decision was published on 27 August 2026 and will come into force on 7 September 2026. Option 4: Continue current funding model through Grant Agreements from 2026-2029, and 2026-2027 for Wiltshire Creative, with the existing four core arts and heritage organisations provides the most stable and sustainable approach to delivery of the Council’s Priority 9 Make culture for everyone and avoids creating significant inequalities or operational instability amongst the partner organisations at this time.   Options considered included: ·         Option 1: Cease funding to the arts and heritage partners. This option was rejected as it would significantly reduce cultural provision, undermine strategic Council objectives and impact the sustainability of partner organisations. ·         Option 2: Reduce funding allocations. This option was considered but rejected due to the likely impact on service delivery, community programmes and organisational sustainability. ·         Option 3: Redistribute funding based on revised criteria. This option was considered but rejected as it would create significant uncertainty, potential reputational damage and unequal impacts across organisations.   ·         Option 4: Continue current funding model through Grant Agreements from 2026-2029, and 2026-2027 for Wiltshire Creative, with the existing four core arts and heritage organisations.   Continued funding at the current levels Consultation with Places Senior leadership team and relevant Wiltshire Council officers.   Wiltshire Council currently provides grant funding to six key arts and heritage organisations through Partnership Agreements running from April 2023 to March 2026, Arts Council England research highlights the positive impact of arts and culture on wellbeing, learning, community cohesion and economic development, with the funded organisations playing a significant role in providing these benefits across Wiltshire.   Continued funding will support the above organisations that deliver a wide range of cultural activities, performances, exhibitions, learning programmes and outreach work for residents, including children and young people, vulnerable adults, disabled people, rural communities and underrepresented groups.   New Grant Agreements will align delivery with Wiltshire Council priorities and the Wiltshire Cultural Strategy, focusing on increasing participation, supporting children and young people, improving wellbeing, enhancing place-shaping, promoting sustainability, driving inclusive economic growth, developing skills and ensuring community voices help shape cultural programmes. Performance is monitored through six-monthly reports and annual reviews.   Funding approved within the Council's 2026 budget.  

Date of Decision: September 7, 2026