The Fenland Place Partnership, a consortium of local arts and cultural organisations, has announced that it has secured more than £400,000 in funding from Arts Council England to launch a new £1m cultural programme across Fenland.

We are pleased to be able to share that we are a delivery partner in the project, further deepening our connection with Fenland communities.

The project will invest in current and future cultural leaders of Fenland through a three-year programme including a multi-arts festival in the summer of 2027. The six-week festival will feature a diverse mix of productions, exhibitions, and events aimed at bringing local people together with professional artists and creative activity to enjoy the thriving cultural heritage of the area.

The project will be coordinated by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, and delivered by a consortium of local partners including ourselves. The overall aim is to invest in young adults aged 16-30 as future arts leaders, build new networks, and provide skills and training to grow the resilient, confident and ambitious cultural landscape of Fenland. Following the festival, the project will continue into 2028, with additional activities on offer.

Financial support has come from a grant of £420,000 from Arts Council England’s Place Partnership Fund, which aims to make a step change in cultural and creative opportunity in places.  Additional funding to reach the £1m needed to deliver the project has been provided by Clarion Futures and its delivery partners, with expected sponsorship from local businesses and box office income from events helping to boost finances.

Those participating in the programme will be able to access tailored support provided by Clarion Futures to explore career pathways and find work in the arts and culture sector.

NIE are delighted to be a part of the new Fenland Place Partnership. We are looking forward to working with established partners and building new relationships, contributing to this exciting initiative for the cultural landscape of Fenland

Michael Judge, Associate Artistic Director

 The full list of delivery partners for the project is as follows:

• Angles Theatre
• Blackfield Creatives / Wisbech Gallery
• Clarion Futures
• CP Learning Trust
• Fenland District Council
• Ferry Project
• Gorilla Circus
• MarketPlace Arts
• New International Encounter
• Wisbech & Fenland Museum
• 20Twenty Productions CIC

The programme’s content is being shaped through ongoing community engagement, uniting residents with a diverse mix of local arts and culture organisations to collaborate on a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages. More details will be available soon.