New programme aims to strengthen artistic activity in the UK’s public spaces
When we think of ‘the arts’, what springs to mind? Galleries, theatres, arenas, concert halls?
These make an invaluable contribution to society, but in the UK, there is also a rich history of public arts events – from festivals to street theatre – which are founded in, with and for the community.
The inspiration for a new Churchill Fellowship programme – Making Space for the Arts – is a desire to strengthen opportunities for widespread artistic participation, innovation and creativity, which take place beyond the walls of a cultural institution.
Churchill Fellows Kate Organ and Nick Danziger helped design the new programme, along with Flora Soames. Nick and Flora are also Advisory Council members.
Kate said: “The institutions and purpose-built arts venues are essential, but we are offering support across all artforms, that take place in open public spaces, that people can just come across. These people don’t have to be connoisseurs of the arts, they don’t have to be in the know about ‘the arts’; we want them to encounter artistic activity as they go about their daily lives within their communities and we want to create opportunities for people not just to be observers, but to participate in and to shape the activity too.”
Who should apply
To achieve this, the Churchill Fellowship is giving those involved in the arts the chance to travel and to learn from other countries, exploring how the UK can better design, create and deliver artistic activity in public spaces – both indoor and out. This might range from light shows in train stations, to theatre in city streets, to murals in community buildings, for example.
We are looking for those involved in the arts in the broadest sense of the word – from practitioners to producers or designers of arts initiatives, across any art form, as well as those involved in the management of public spaces - to make this happen. And crucially, with the involvement of communities.
Nick, whose Fellowship took him along the ancient Silk Roads, said: “The programme is looking to support a variety of individuals whose aim is to bring communities together. We want this to be participatory, so the community can be involved.” This could, for example, be about working collaboratively to create an artistic moment that speaks to the identity of a particular community, or it could be about repurposing or transforming a community space with artistic activity.
Those applying don’t need a fully formed plan for an arts event, but should have a passion for, and wish to learn more about, arts in the community. Kate said: “We are looking for people who can demonstrate the potential for when they get back from their travels, to have the vision and the ability to find associates to collaborate with and turn their ideas and learning into an artistic event or moment.” Any adult UK citizen with the passion to achieve this can apply, regardless of age, background or qualification.
Inspiration for the new programme
The new programme is partly a response to funding cuts to arts. Nick commented: “Anyone associated with the arts will know the funding is disappearing very rapidly wherever we look. The Churchill Fellowship aims to be as inclusive a possible, and community-based, and this is one of the areas that finds funding most difficult.”
The programme also hopes to strengthen public arts practices. From carnival in Brazil to circus arts in France to murals in Chile, there is much to learn from other countries in this area. A designated Fellowship programme will offer individuals the opportunity to be inspired by practices overseas, foster international links and develop their own skills. Through the programme, we hope to establish a cohort of inspired and visionary Fellows who will have the ideas and confidence to get involved in the design and delivery of ambitious arts-based initiatives for and with communities across the UK.
But why do public arts events matter? Nick believes they can bring healing, resilience and cohesion to individuals and a community.
He said: “Many of the most successful festivals – such as carnival in Rio - have started in disenfranchised communities, with people coming together. The arts in all its different forms can be a cohesive force for resilience, identity, and wellbeing.”
Impact of a Churchill Fellowship
Both Nick and Kate found their own Fellowships lifechanging and are excited to be offering this opportunity to others.
Kate, whose Fellowship took her to Japan, reflected, “A Fellowship helps you to dream bigger and help others to do the same. It completely changes your perspective.”
Nick commented: “Anything I have achieved today is a result of that Fellowship. I was working as an artist, but subsequently I have written books, produced documentary films, and am heavily involved in photojournalism, all as a result of the Fellowship. It is an extraordinary opportunity.”
Making Space for the Arts has been carefully and thoughtfully created by a working group drawn from across the arts, among whom are several Churchill Fellows, bringing first-hand experience and insight. The programme opens on 2 September 2025 will run for three years, awarding up to 10 Fellows each year.
To find out more about this programme and the support available take a look at the programme brief.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.