Artists and organisations in the borough are set to benefit from a new fund aimed at supporting new original creative work. 

Basingstoke and Deane’s cultural compact, which brings together artists, cultural organisations, businesses and community and education organisations, has launched the Basingstoke Creative Incubator Fund, thanks to borough council funding.

The £90,000 fund has been designed to support new artistic work to be presented in Basingstoke and Deane during 2026, encouraging collaboration between local and visiting artists and/or arts organisations and developing long-term relationships to benefit the borough’s creative community. Funding will be allocated across three pots to support 16 projects. This includes 10 awards for up to £1,000 for emerging artists, four awards of up to £10,000 for established artists and two awards of up to £20,000 for organisations. Funding can also be used to leverage further grant funding from other organisations such as Arts Council England.

Projects could also include the co-creation of work with local communities, working with local education settings to provide skills development opportunities for budding artists, the use of new digital technologies for the benefit of creative industries or work that will showcase the borough as a centre for creativity.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “We have an amazing arts community that has put Basingstoke and Deane on the map as a place known for its culture and creativity. We want to do everything we can to nurture emerging talent and encourage artists from further afield to be inspired by everything our borough has to offer.

“At a time where creative industries face many challenges, our new Creative Incubator Fund builds on our borough’s success by investing in up-and-coming artists, providing skills and work opportunities and supporting artists to make new work and give audiences more chances to experience the power of arts and culture in their own communities.”

Applications for the Basingstoke Creative Incubator Fund close on Friday 5 December 2025 and all funded projects must be delivered by December 2026. Before submitting an application, applicants should email culture@basingstoke.gov.uk to arrange a pre-application conversation.

More information about the fund can be found at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/creative-incubator-fund