Warwick District Council has announced the successful delivery of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Cultural Programme, supporting nine creative and cultural projects across the district between 2023 and 2025. 

Backed by a £400,000 allocation from the UKSPF, the programme has significantly enhanced the region's creative landscape, reaching thousands of residents and supporting local artists, businesses, and heritage assets across the four towns. 

Delivered on time and within budget, the programme enabled four high-profile public events, awarded nine Arts Grants, distributed over 80 bursaries, and commissioned the creation of new works of art. 

Cllr Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Place, Arts, and Economy at Warwick District Council said: "This cultural investment has created long-lasting infrastructure, opportunity, and momentum. 

"From large-scale public events to grassroots support, we've seen incredible community engagement and a strengthening of Warwick District's vibrant cultural identity." 

The funded projects, aligned with Warwick District's Creative Framework and Investment Plan, focused on placemaking, engagement, voice, and innovation. 

A grant supported the expansion of Leamington's flagship outdoor art festival,  Art in the Park, helping purchase new gazebos and equipment to reduce hire costs and increase community programming. 

A grant also enabled the revitalised Lights of Leamington, a winter festival that attracted over 46,000 attendees, delivering a magical three-week cultural experience and generating significant tourism and business engagement. 

A comprehensive heritage audit identified key opportunities for growth across the heritage sector in Warwick District's four towns, Whitnash, Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth, informing strategic planning for years to come. 

Initiatives such as a marketing toolkit and capacity-building workshops empowered grassroots arts organisations. 

Warwick VIC, Whitnash Community Centre, Leamington VIC, and Kenilworth Town Council all benefited from new digital signage to promote the local cultural offer at their respective sites. 

New public art and a dedicated website spotlighted urban creativity and civic pride in Lillington, with over 150 residents participating in hands-on workshops. 

Sector-leading creative conferences, Spark and Ignite, connected over 600 creatives through inspiring workshops, keynotes, and networking opportunities, receiving a 94 percent satisfaction rating. 

Early-stage funding supported the exploration of sustainable business models for a community-driven creative space, including the acquisition of shared-use equipment.

Key upgrades at the Royal Spa Centre enhanced its capability to host world-class creative industry events and screenings, including Interactive Futures. 

The Hidden Artist programme offered transformative support for underrepresented artists, boosting skills, confidence, and career opportunities for 41 local creatives. 

The full report showcases how strategic investment in the arts can drive economic development, strengthen communities and elevate local culture, and will be available in the coming months.