The University of Lincoln’s Centre for Culture and Creativity has marked another successful year of supporting the region’s creative sector. Now in its second year as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), the Centre continues to deliver lasting impact and has ambitious plans for the year ahead.
As one of only 12 UK universities to receive NPO funding, the Centre has empowered its cultural assets to deliver high-impact activity across Greater Lincolnshire, with particular focus on accessibility, sector development, and place-based creative opportunities.
Supporting Major Programmes Across Lincoln
The NPO funding has helped power key initiatives including:
- The Barbican Creative Hub’s conference programme, ahead of its official launch in Spring 2025
- The launch of the inaugural Creatives in Residence programme
- Continued growth at Lincoln Arts Centre, enabling greater investment in artists, commissions, and sector development
Each Creative in Residence has been allocated a studio space at the Barbican, alongside business mentorship and professional development. Final preparations are also underway for the Barbican’s workspace and membership programmes, tech facilities, and live event offer, all forming part of a new creative, digital, and tech business ecosystem under one roof.
Creative Investment: £166,670 in One Year
Over the last year, Lincoln Arts Centre and the Barbican Creative Hub have invested a combined £166,670 directly into creative talent through commissions and fees. This investment supported both early-career and established creatives, reinforcing Lincoln’s growing status as a destination for artists to develop and perform new work.
Since becoming an NPO, the Centre has supported 78 creative practitioners through this expanded offer.
Creating New Opportunities Through ‘Routes In’
Arts Council England’s investment has also created new career pathways. Two entry-level ‘Routes In’ roles were developed to welcome individuals who may have previously found creative careers inaccessible.
These roles provide practical, on-the-job training for those without traditional experience, helping to reduce barriers and diversify entry into the industry.
Alice, Marketing Assistant at the Barbican Creative Hub, shared her experience:
“Routes In has given me an open door into the arts in an industry that can feel full of closed doors. The workplace culture here is equal parts honest and kind. Having that support has motivated me to work harder and with more detail—not just for myself, but for the team, the artists, and the audiences of Lincolnshire.”
Bringing the Sector Together: 7 Major Conferences, 43 Speakers
Ahead of the Barbican’s opening, the team delivered seven major conferences, attracting 938 attendees and 43 speakers from across the region and beyond. These events helped connect industry professionals, emerging talent, and thought leaders, sharing knowledge and shaping the future of Lincolnshire’s creative economy.
Key 2024–2025 events included:
- Art of Good Governance – exploring innovative models and peer networks
- Decoding Greater Lincolnshire – data-driven insights for programming
- Technically Speaking – spotlighting technical roles and access in performance
- Future Perspectives – exploring circular economy, VR and AR
- Navigating the Storm – strategies to support marginalised artists
- What’s Next for Social Prescribing – creative health solutions and case studies
Looking Ahead: More Training, More Connection, More Opportunity
Tamily Cookson, Director of the Barbican Creative Hub, reflected on the achievements and plans for the future:
“With the Barbican Creative Hub opening its doors soon, it’s an exciting and busy time, and the impact of our programme so far has already been significant. Even before the doors officially open, our conferences and events hosted at Lincoln Arts Centre have firmly established us as a key hub for sector development.
Thanks to Arts Council funding, we’ve been able to provide vital support for the industry, and as we move into year three, we’re set to expand with more training in inclusive practices, regular creative meetups, and real-time data analysis.
The Creatives in Residence programme will continue to offer talent invaluable opportunities, and we can’t wait to fling open the doors later this year to further amplify our impact.”
Read the Full Impact Report
To explore the full National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Impact Report, produced in partnership with Lincoln Arts Centre, please visit: https://lincolnartscentre.co.uk/app/uploads/2025/03/Impact-Report-2025-.pdf