A WINCHESTER-based cultural charity has received National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status making it eligible for significant funding.

The Arts Council England (ACE) announced its next round of National Portfolio Organisations (NPO) for the 2023-2026 investment programme on November 4, including the Hampshire Cultural Trust.

The trust, dedicated to providing cultural experiences to the area, will receive £500,000 per annum (for 2023-2026) following its successful funding application which focussed on expanding the organisation’s work in three of Arts Council England’s priority places – Gosport, Rushmoor and the New Forest.

The charity will now work with the Arts Council to agree what the funding will support, with an emphasis on widening engagement, diversifying audiences and establishing a sustainable cultural sector across the region.

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HCT was established in 2014 and now manages 23 attractions that were previously operated by Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council. The charity is among 276 newly appointed NPOs, with a total of 990 successful applicants for the 2023-2026 programme.

Chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, Paul Sapwell, said: “This is a landmark day for Hampshire Cultural Trust and such an important part of our development as a young, cultural organisation. With this funding, we can not only focus on the three Arts Council priority places in Hampshire within our portfolio but can also continue to deliver cultural experiences that support wellbeing, happiness and health across the county, fulfilling our purpose of helping to change lives through culture.”

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Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture in England, with one of its biggest investments going towards the National Portfolio Organisations as creative and cultural providers.

ACE chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “We are facing economic pressures at present, but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists. In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

ACE director for the South West, Phil Gibby, said: “We’re particularly pleased to be welcoming Hampshire Cultural Trust into the 2023-26 National Portfolio. As a result of our investment, more residents and visitors will enjoy greater access to cultural opportunities right on their doorstep.”