Greater Lincolnshire unites behind £324,000 investment to create the next generation of creative talent

An unprecedented partnership of councils, as well as education providers and the creative sector, has come together to invest £324,000 to transform creative careers across Greater Lincolnshire, creating new jobs and apprenticeships.

Lincoln Arts Centre and Barbican Creative Hub, based at the University of Lincoln, have been awarded up to £219,454 from Arts Council England (Midlands) for the Routes In – Greater Lincolnshire Place Partnership project.

The funding is matched by a £55,000 investment from the University of Lincoln, alongside a combined £50,000 from Lincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and West Lindsey District Council - marking one of the most ambitious collaborations for the county’s creative industries to date.

Running from 2026 to 2029, the three-year programme will strengthen Greater Lincolnshire’s creative economy by investing directly in people, skills and pathways into employment. It will:

• Establish five creative apprenticeships, employed by the University of Lincoln, building capacity across the creative sector while making use of the University’s Apprenticeship Levy.

• Establish and grow the Greater Lincolnshire Creative Careers Network, connecting employers, educators, skills leads/hubs and emerging creative talent across the region.

• Deliver an annual programme of creative careers support, including job centre surgeries, mentoring and special careers and skills events, strengthening links between education and employers.

• Launch a Greater Lincolnshire Creative Careers Summit and Conference, bringing together industry leaders, educators and policymakers.

• Deliver governance and board development training, helping more people develop leadership skills and strengthening cultural organisations across the county.

The project supports national priorities around skills, economic growth and opportunity in some of our most rural communities. The project also reinforces the University of Lincoln's role as a civic university, helping drive regional growth through skills, innovation and partnership.

Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council with executive oversight of the authority’s economy, cultural, leisure and arts services, said: “North Kesteven District Council is pleased to be working with the University of Lincoln and fellow councils to support skills, jobs and opportunities in the creative sector, helping to unlock its potential across Greater Lincolnshire.

“Through the nationally endorsed Hub, Sleaford, and our wider cultural programmes, we have long championed culture as a key driver of flourishing communities and economic growth.

“As local government evolves across Greater Lincolnshire, this University-led programme offers an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration, connections and opportunities for people and places across the region.”

In a joint statement, Coun Sarah Sharpe (Boston Borough Council), Coun Graham Marsh (East Lindsey District Council) and Coun Elizabeth Sneath (South Holland District Council) from the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership said:"By working together across local government, education and the creative sector, we're unlocking opportunities that will help our residents to develop their skills, build rewarding careers and contribute to our communities."

Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: "Universities have an important role to play in helping places and people to thrive. This investment demonstrates what can be achieved when we bring together education, local government and industry around a shared ambition for our region.

"The creative industries are a vital part of Greater Lincolnshire's economy and identity, but they can only flourish if talented people can see clear pathways into rewarding careers. Routes In will help create those opportunities by investing in skills, supporting employers and enabling more people to build successful creative careers close to home.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said they are investing the money through their Place Partnership programme, using money from The National Lottery to create meaningful change through culture.

“This project will support Lincolnshire residents to develop creative skills and access exciting careers in the creative industries.”

Further details about the programme and opportunities to get involved will be announced in the coming months.