Live & Local secures Arts Council England funding

A not-for-profit organisation which facilitates professional live performances in rural communities across the Midlands, has been successful in securing continued funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation from 2023 until 2026. 

Live & Local has been operating for around 30 decades. 

Arts Council England’s decision means that the organisation can continue to provide high-quality, professional, and diverse arts experiences to communities across both the East and West Midlands for the next three years as well as championing and developing great art and culture for everyone, and enhancing life quality, civil society and local economies.

John Laidlaw MBE, Executive Director, Live & Local said: "We are delighted that Arts Council England is supporting our work, and the work of our amazing local voluntary promoters and partners, in bringing great live shows to communities throughout the Midlands. This award helps secure the future of the Rural & Community Touring Networks in times of increasing financial uncertainty and means that we can continue to support surprising shows in surprising places for years to come and enable thousands of people to continue to enjoy professional live performances; most of them in rural areas."

Live & Local has also been able to secure additional funding for its ‘Levelling up for Rural Culture’ programme, aimed at places where arts engagement and investment have been low in the past.

For more information about Live & Local visit www.liveandlocal.org.uk