Purpose

To approve the continuation of funding to Wiltshire Council's four core arts and heritage partners as shown below and to approve the allocation of grant funding for the duration of the agreement, subject to annual review and the availability of Council funding.

TABLE 1

URN

Organisation

Grant Period

Grant Amount 2026/27

Grant Amount 2027/28

Subject to Annual Review

Grant Amount 2028/29

Subject to Annual Review

Total Grant Amount

FS2537

The Pound Arts Trust Limited

THREE Years

01 April 2026 - 31 March 2029

£53,898

£53,898

£53,898

£161,694

FS2539

The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum Trust

£22,320

£22,320

£22,320

£66,960

FS2540

The Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Limited

£21,656

£21,656

£21,656

£64,968

FS2542

Wiltshire Creative

ONE Year

01 April 2026 - 31 March 2027

£189,390

Will be dealt with under separate Grant Agreements if approved.

£189,390

Decision

Following consultation with officers I give notice that I approve the grants as set out in this report.

This decision was published on 27 August 2026 and will come into force on 7 September 2026.

Reasons for the decision

Option 4: Continue current funding model through Grant Agreements from 2026-2029, and 2026-2027 for Wiltshire Creative, with the existing four core arts and heritage organisations provides the most stable and sustainable approach to delivery of the Council’s Priority 9 Make culture for everyone and avoids creating significant inequalities or operational instability amongst the partner organisations at this time.

Alternative options considered

Options considered included:

·         Option 1: Cease funding to the arts and heritage partners.
This option was rejected as it would significantly reduce cultural provision, undermine strategic Council objectives and impact the sustainability of partner organisations.

·         Option 2: Reduce funding allocations.
This option was considered but rejected due to the likely impact on service delivery, community programmes and organisational sustainability.

·         Option 3: Redistribute funding based on revised criteria.
This option was considered but rejected as it would create significant uncertainty, potential reputational damage and unequal impacts across organisations.

·         Option 4: Continue current funding model through Grant Agreements from 2026-2029, and 2026-2027 for Wiltshire Creative, with the existing four core arts and heritage organisations.

Continued funding at the current levels