The Basingstoke Creative Incubator Fund, initiated by the borough’s cultural compact, aims to benefit artists and organisations by encouraging artists to collaborate and develop long-term relationships in the borough.
Funding will be allocated across three categories to support 16 projects.
Emerging artists could receive one of 10 awards of up to £1,000, established artists could secure one of four awards of up to £10,000, while two organisations could be granted up to £20,000.
The fund’s purpose is to support new artistic work to be presented in Basingstoke and Deane during 2026.
This initiative will also aid in establishing the borough as a centre for creativity.
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Kerry Morrow, said: “We have an amazing arts community that has put Basingstoke and Deane on the map as a place known for its culture and creativity.
“We want to do everything we can to nurture emerging talent and encourage artists from further afield to be inspired by everything our borough has to offer.”
He added: “At a time where creative industries face many challenges, our new Creative Incubator Fund builds on our borough’s success by investing in up-and-coming artists, providing skills and work opportunities and supporting artists to make new work and give audiences more chances to experience the power of arts and culture in their own communities.”
The fund’s scope extends beyond mere financial support; it encourages the co-creation of work with local communities and collaboration with educational settings to provide skill development opportunities for budding artists.
Applicants are encouraged to use new digital technologies to benefit the creative industries or produce work that will showcase the borough as a centre for creativity.
Applications for the Basingstoke Creative Incubator Fund are open until Friday, December 5, 2025, and all funded projects must be delivered by December 2026.
Applicants are advised to email culture@basingstoke.gov.uk for a pre-application conversation before submitting their application.
More information about the fund, its eligibility criteria, and the application process can be found on the council’s website.
