High Wycombe awarded £230k to boost local culture and creativity

High Wycombe is set for an exciting cultural boost thanks to a £230,000 grant from Arts Council England. The funding, secured by Buckinghamshire Council in partnership with Bucks Culture and the town’s creative community, will support a three-year programme to grow and celebrate local arts and culture.

The project, which has a working title of ‘Place Partnerships High Wycombe’, will bring together artists, venues, community groups, and creative businesses to strengthen the town’s cultural life. From live performances and exhibitions to workshops and festivals, the initiative will help ensure that residents can enjoy a wide range of exciting, high-quality cultural experiences right on their doorstep.

The funding will help:

• Position High Wycombe as a place where creativity brings people together and enriches everyday life
• Develop a new cultural hub in the town
• Support a wide network of local artists, venues, and organisations to thrive and grow
• Launch a development and skills-sharing programme to build capacity and collaboration across the creative sector

Additional support from the Rothschild Foundation and investment from Buckinghamshire Council will help make this vision a reality.

Over the next three years, local partners will lead the project in close collaboration with the community to ensure it reflects local needs and aspirations. The goal is to create a more connected and sustainable cultural network that boosts pride in the town and ensures everyone can benefit from the area’s rich creative offer.

Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for High Wycombe’s creative sector. The investment will not only support local artists and cultural organisations but also help foster a more connected and dynamic cultural scene. We’re excited to work with our partners and residents to ensure this funding delivers real benefits for the whole community."

Peter added: “This investment will mark the beginning of more local events and activities that enrich the lives of our residents and showcase the incredible talent and creativity we have here in High Wycombe.”

Lallie Davis, Director of Bucks Culture, commented:

“This project promises to be transformative for High Wycombe’s creative community. It’s about more than just funding events – it’s about creating a connected network in the town, promoting opportunities, sharing skills, bringing people together through creativity, and making culture a visible and valued part of daily life. We’re proud to be working with such a passionate and talented local community to shape a vibrant cultural future for the town.”

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

"The Arts Council is pleased to support the Culture Development Project in High Wycombe through our Place Partnership Fund, it is a testament to the power of collaboration in building a vibrant and inclusive cultural future. This investment will help nurture local talent, strengthen the creative sector, and create more opportunities for communities to engage with culture on their doorstep. We look forward to seeing the impact of our shared commitment to creativity across High Wycombe and Buckinghamshire."

The first steps will include setting up the cultural hub, launching network and knowledge share sessions, and creating a new identity for culture in the town.

To get involved or find out more, visit: Culture development in High Wycombe | Buckinghamshire Council