Unlocking community creativity: Council backs raft of arts and heritage projects across North Lincolnshire

Communities from across North Lincolnshire will soon be telling their stories in new ways, celebrating history, and creating art together thanks to nine new projects backed by North Lincolnshire Council, and selected by a newly formed Cultural Assembly.

From young people creating murals in Winterton, families in Scunthorpe making puppets from recycled materials, villagers in Barrow stitching their history into a tapestry – and a feature length documentary telling the 125-year history of Scunthorpe United.

The projects will bring generations together, celebrate shared heritage and build stronger futures.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “These projects will bring social history to life, give people the chance to get creative, and strengthen community pride right across North Lincolnshire.

“What’s brilliant is that they’re led by local groups, powered by volunteers, and rooted in our own stories and culture – the demand has been huge, we know this matters to residents and recognise the programme is about building skills and confidence so that more organisations can go on to thrive independently.”

The funding is just one part of Cultural Futures – a multi-year project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and North Lincolnshire Council designed to increase arts, heritage and cultural activity across North Lincolnshire.

Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities, urban, said: “This is about residents and creating opportunities for them to connect, express themselves, and take pride in where they live and these nine projects will do exactly that.

“They’ll inspire young people, bring generations together, and make sure our local stories are celebrated and passed on. This investment is really about giving communities the tools to celebrate their own rich history and heritage.”

The nine projects are:

• Dancing Tiger Scrapstore – Puppets & People: Local Voices: community puppet-making using recycled materials, fostering dialogue and creativity (£6,995).
• Fountain Arts – Scunthorpe Studio School: artist development programme supporting four emerging artists with studio space, mentoring and training (£9,998.54).
• Iron Master Co CIC – Winterton Skatepark Murals: graffiti-to-art project with local young people, creating inspiring murals (£9,920).
• Barrow-Upon-Humber Parish Council – Village Tapestry: embroidery project capturing Barrow’s history from the Doomsday Book to present day (£5,014).
• Crowle Entertainers – Isle of Axholme Drama: performance exploring the legacy of land drainage, blending drama and folk music (£5,000).
• Rooted Arts – A Passing Tale: marking the Viking Way’s 50th anniversary with residencies, workshops, and a digital archive (£9,910).
• Julia Oxenforth & The Trolley Bus Museum: artist in residence programme, exploring the collection and enriching the museum visitor experience (£4,827.80).
• Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery: exhibition of religious heritage artefacts, in partnership with North Lincolnshire Museum (£1,500).
• The New Showground CIC – Forged from the Furnace: feature-length documentary celebrating 125 years of Scunthorpe United Football Club (£10,000).

In total, more than £65,000 has been awarded in this round, with another funding round to follow as part of the Cultural Futures programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Find out more information, including the full criteria and how to apply for funding, on the Cultural Futures webpage or email culturalfutures@northlincs.gov.uk.