Fenland District Council is launching a new Fenland Culture Fund this November, providing fresh opportunities for creative projects across the district.

The Council has committed £40,000 to the new fund, following a recommendation from the Council’s Culture Committee.

Previous Fenland Culture Fund programmes in the district were funded through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, and Arts Council England. However, the new fund is being directly funded by Fenland District Council.

The investment follows the success of the earlier programmes, which awarded a combined £90,000 to support a wide range of arts, culture and heritage projects and activities.

Of the £40,000 available, £16,000 will be allocated to deliver additional arts and cultural activities at Fenland’s popular Four Seasons events: March St George’s Fayre, Chatteris Midsummer Festival, Whittlesey Festival and Wisbech Christmas Fayre.

The remaining £24,000 will be available through a grant programme, with grants of up to £2,000 available to eligible individuals, groups and organisations.

Applications for the new fund will be open from Monday 2 November 2026 to Friday 15 January 2027. Full details, eligibility criteria and an online application form will be published on the Council’s website at: www.fenland.gov.uk/fenlandculturefund

Cllr Samantha Hoy, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Housing and Licensing, said: “The previous Fenland Culture Fund programmes showed the huge value that arts, culture and heritage projects bring to our communities, supporting a diverse range of activities across Fenland.

“We’re therefore delighted to be launching a new Fenland Culture Fund, funded directly by Fenland District Council, to help individuals and organisations continue developing creative opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

“Whether you’re a local artist, or community group, town council or cultural organisation delivering arts, culture and heritage activities, I’d encourage you to consider applying.”

The new Fenland Culture Fund is open to individuals aged 16 and over who live or work in Fenland, as well as arts, culture and heritage organisations, community and voluntary groups, and town and parish councils delivering cultural activity within the district.

Funding can support a wide variety of activities such as performances, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, craft projects, heritage initiatives, and much more.

The Council welcomes applications from both first-time applicants and those who were unsuccessful in securing support through previous cultural funding programmes.

For more information, visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/fenlandculturefund