Empowering Programmes & Sector Support

ARTS COUNCIL NPO

The Barbican Creative Hub, in partnership with Lincoln Arts Centre, co-delivers the University of Lincoln’s NPO (National Portfolio Organisation) programme, funded by Arts Council England. Together, we are helping to shape a vibrant cultural scene through diverse programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering creativity, collaboration, and sector growth.

Ground-breaking Conferences

As part of the NPO programme, we host four major conferences each year, including our flagship ‘Future Perspectives’ focussed on new technologies and sustainable practices. These events bring together local and national experts to explore cutting-edge topics, offering a platform for innovative ideas and industry insights. We also deliver an interactive annual social prescribing conference which attracts a mix of healthcare professionals, creatives, and support organisations. And ‘Technically Speaking’ co-designed with students from the University of Lincoln.

Sector Development

We also aim to support sector development by ensuring we have strong leadership and high level support. We therefore organise strategic meetups and joint training, by coming together and sharing resource we are better placed to drive the creative and cultural industries progress. Key focus is the sustainability and inclusivity of the sector, and by addressing these key challenges, we help creatives and businesses build more resilient practices and ensure diverse voices are represented across the sector.

Connecting Sector

We also host regular social meetups with So Festival, Lincoln Arts Centre and others which play a key role in supporting grassroots initiatives and individuals, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and community building within the creative industry.

Creatives in Residence

The Creatives in Residence programme offers selected individuals and collectives subsidised studio space or bursaries, along with wraparound support. This initiative allows participants to develop their work while contributing to the local creative ecosystem.

Specialist Commissions

We also are undertaking individual commissions of new works. Our current project is with East Midlands-based renowned photographer David Severn. He has been commissioned to capture how place has influenced creativity across Greater Lincolnshire. Opportunities such as this, provide further opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and engage with the wider community​

OUR IMPACT (want to link to Year 1 Report)

EAST MIDLANDS CREATE GROWTH

The Create Growth programme was designed by DCMS and Innovate UK to support the development of creative industries with high-growth potential across England. The East Midlands was chosen as one of the first region’s to receive support and funding.

East Midlands Wide Initiative

The main East Midlands Create Growth programme is managed by a regional consortium of local councils, universities, and business support organisations, including the University of Lincoln and the Barbican Creative Hub.

Its aim is to significantly boost the creative industries across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. As part of this programme they have supported 100 creative companies to access business support, investment readiness, and mentoring.

Direct Support for Local Creative Businesses

As part of East Midlands Create Growth, we are providing business workshops, peer to peer support, and a platform for new growth opportunities, national and regional funding, and investment for creative businesses based in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. As well as signposting companies to the main programme.


Understanding the Sector and New Opportunities

We have also undertaken research to understand and address the challenges and opportunities the region faces, including hosting ‘Decoding Greater Lincolnshire’ an event where data analysis and unique insights that could shape the sector were shared.

Our localised support programme is delivered in conjunction with Business Lincolnshire.

More info
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS




Creatives in Residence

Applications Closed: Thank You to All Who Applied!

The overwhelming response to the Creatives in Residence Programme truly humbles us. The talent, originality, and artistic passion across all 40 applications made the selection process both inspiring and incredibly challenging. Every submission reflected the vibrant and dynamic creative spirit thriving in Lincolnshire.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who applied—your creativity and dedication made this process a privilege to be part of.

An announcement is coming soon—stay tuned! We are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative creative community at the Barbican Creative Hub, and we can’t wait to share more with you soon.




Here to Support

We are here to support the creative sector, businesses, and individuals by offering tailored programmes and resources that address key challenges and open up new opportunities.

By bringing together our own expertise along with local and national experts, we hope to foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and success for creatives at all stages of their journey.

Coming soon