Decision

Wiltshire Council will continue to fund the core arts partner Trowbridge Town Hall Trust and heritage partner Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, for the next 3 years following approval of the Wiltshire Council Budget on 24 February 2026.

Reasons for the decision

Wiltshire Council has previously had 3-year funding agreements in place with Wiltshire Creative, The Pound Arts Trust Limited, The Wiltshire Music Centre Trust Limited, Trowbridge Town Hall Trust Ltd, Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society and The Salisbury and South West Wiltshire Museum Trust.

Three of the arts organisations are Arts Council England (ACE), National Provider Organisations (NPOs), and as such receive funding from ACE to deliver arts related activity in Wiltshire. While both Accredited heritage organisations hold NPO status through the Wessex Museums Trust.

Reason for decision

Arts and heritage funding was included in the Wiltshire Council Budget that was approved at Full Council Item 17 on 24 February 2026.

Funding to the arts and heritage partners will support the Council’s Our Plan priority of ‘Making Culture for Everyone’ through the delivery of a range of activities that increase engagement in cultural activities, including high quality arts, heritage and creative opportunities.

The funding being made available for 3 years by Wiltshire Council is as follows:

Partner organisation 2026/27 Amount £ 2027/28 Amount £ 2028/29 Amount £
Trowbridge Town Hall Trust 12,150 12,150 12,150
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society 12,780 12,780 12,780

For the avoidance of any doubt, funding in years 2027/28 and 2028/29 will be subject to an Annual Review by the Authority. The Service Provider shall be notified of the outcome of the Annual Review by January of the relevant year in which it is due.

See the attached document for considerations in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution.

Alternative options considered

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.

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

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.