Major boost secured for borough's arts and culture scene

Wigan Borough’s thriving arts and cultural sector has received a huge boost as a flagship scheme has secured a three-year deal worth more than £1.2m. 

The borough is one of 15 across the north included in the Arts Council’s Creative People and Places (CPP) scheme for 2026/29, providing more than £900k for community focused arts.

Wigan Council has provided £350k of match funding for the project – bringing the total above the £1.2m mark - which will be delivered by the Groundwork CLM.

The three-year agreement will see a range of cultural activities rooted in local communities.

It also follows on from the recent launch of the borough’s cultural strategy: The Fire Within – The Forge.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Our arts and cultural sector is going from strength-to-strength, and this latest announcement is further proof of our growing status on the national scene.

“We can’t wait to continue our work with Groundwork and the Down to Earth programme. Providing access and breaking down barriers to cultural opportunities across our communities is a top priority for everyone working in the Wigan Borough cultural partnership.”

Down to Earth is a community led arts programme working across Wigan Borough, focusing on green spaces and community hubs as sites for cultural engagement to ensure everyone has access to high quality cultural provision.

The CPP programme will focus on ‘From Whispers to Wonders’, supporting communities that have traditionally been overlooked to lead in creating ambitious original work that couldn’t be made anywhere else. 

Tom Briggs, project director for Down to Earth, said: “We’re really excited to have secured investment in the Down to Earth programme.

“From Laithwaite to Lowton, Worsley Mesnes to Westleigh, this support from Arts Council England and the National Lottery will enable the programme to reach deeper into communities and invite more people than ever before to share in the joy of making.”

CPPs bring together community, grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities.

Rebecca Ball, area director, Arts Council England said: “The Creative People and Places programme empowers our communities across the North to design and shape the cultural offer on their doorstep.

“Since 2012 we have seen the transformative impact of these projects on the people and places. I’m so happy that we are able to continue to fund this remarkable programme and I am delighted that from 2026 we will be welcoming four new projects in the North to the programme.

“I can’t wait to see how this investment will continue to inspire and engage. This programme would not be possible without the support of all the people who play the National Lottery, as it is thanks to them that we are able to fund this lifechanging work.” 

Last month Wigan Council launched the borough’s new cultural strategy, The Fire Within – The Forge, a five-year masterplan to guide the work in culture and the arts.

For more information:

Down To Earth - Groundwork 

The Fire Within