Introduction to Together Gloucester
The Together Gloucester Partnership is now open for applications to fund projects and events that aim to enhance the city’s art scene and cultural calendar. This initiative is designed to support the growth of existing events or the development of new ideas, contributing to a richer cultural experience in Gloucester.
About the Grants
Grants of up to £12,000 are available to support the expansion of existing events or to test new ideas. This funding opportunity is part of the partnership’s effort to strengthen the city’s cultural offerings. In its third year, the program has already supported 42 projects, showcasing a diverse range of activities including a contemporary art trail, hip-hop workshops, Bollywood screenings, and the introduction of a renowned circus company to the city.
Application Details
Applications for events taking place between April 2026 and March 2027 are currently being accepted, with a deadline of November 9th. This provides a window of opportunity for individuals and groups to propose innovative projects that can contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Gloucester.
Community Feedback and Program Development
Ann-Marie Leighton, Cultural Development Manager at Gloucester City Council, highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping the program. "We’ve spent two years listening to people in Gloucester to understand what’s missing, particularly in terms of culture and creativity. We’ve heard messages like ‘there’s nothing I want to go to, everything is in the city center, nobody really talks to each other’ – so we used this feedback to create a program that addresses these concerns."
Goals of the Together Gloucester Partnership
The partnership aims to include the community in decision-making processes, making Gloucester a better place to live, work, and visit. Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing health and well-being through cultural activities. Leighton emphasized, "We want to ensure that ordinary, everyday people feel that creativity is something for them."
Funding Tiers
The grants are tiered, with £1,000 available for brand new ideas or the expansion of existing community activities and groups across Gloucester. Larger events, projects, or cultural festivals can receive up to £12,000, supporting a wide range of creative endeavors.
Reaction from City Council
Councilor Caroline Courtney, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, expressed enthusiasm about the significant increase in applications and the variety of creative projects. This positive response underscores the partnership’s impact on fostering a thriving cultural scene in Gloucester.
Funding and Support
Together Gloucester is funded by Arts Council England and Gloucester City Council, demonstrating a collaborative effort to promote arts and culture in the city. This support is crucial for the development and success of the program, enabling it to make a meaningful contribution to Gloucester’s cultural calendar.
