Artists, community groups and cultural organisations across Maidstone are being invited to apply for the latest round of Creative Communities Grants, with funding now available for projects taking place anywhere in the borough.

The latest round for applications opened today, Tuesday 1 September, for a share of £15,000, supporting projects that bring people together through arts and culture, improve wellbeing and encourage community participation.

The expansion marks a significant change for the programme, which was previously funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and focused on projects within Maidstone town centre. Maidstone Borough Council has now committed its own funding to continue the scheme, allowing organisations and communities across the borough to benefit.

Creative Communities Grants have already supported more than 80 projects over the last four years, reaching more than 12,500 people through activities including comedy, music, dance, visual arts, textiles and community workshops.

The programme has helped deliver projects that tackle loneliness, build confidence, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for residents to get involved in creative activities close to where they live.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, Maidstone Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, said:

"Creative Communities Grants have already enhanced the difference that arts and culture can make to people’s lives, from helping communities connect, to supporting wellbeing and building pride in where we live.

“By expanding the scheme to cover the whole borough, we’re making sure even more residents and communities can benefit from creative opportunities, wherever they are based. We’re really looking forward to seeing the next round of ideas and encouraging artists and organisations to come forward with projects that bring people together.”

Among the projects previously supported was Maidstone Improv Festival, which received £3,000 over two years to launch and grow a multi-venue comedy festival. The programme included workshops, family events and performances that attracted audiences of more than 200 people and increased participation in the arts.

Letters, Leaves and Laughter used a £1,000 grant to develop a community quilting project involving groups at Maidstone Museum, a local GP surgery and the Old Boat Café. The project culminated in the creation and exhibition of three quilts and continues through regular weekly sessions.

Maidstone Gurkha Veterans into Arts received £1,500 to deliver drawing and painting sessions for veterans, helping reduce isolation while improving confidence, social connections and mental wellbeing.

Projects applying for funding must strongly support at least two of the following priorities:

* Increasing pride in the borough and its communities
* Increasing participation and engagement in arts and cultural activities
* Supporting or improving individual or community health
* Promoting environmental awareness and responsibility

To be eligible, projects and events must take place within Maidstone borough.

Applications for this funding round are open until 29 November 2026.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, is available on the website.

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