Start Thurrock has funding extended for another year

Start Thurrock is delighted to have been successful in extending our funding through to March 2026.

As part of the Creative People and Places (CPP) programme, Start Thurrock is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Last year, we were invited to apply to extend our funding for a further year, as part of a bid for all Creative People and Places programmes to be given security and stability and ensure there was enough time to develop plans for those interested in applying to be part of Arts Council England’s 2026-29 portfolio.

It has now been confirmed that our application for an extension has been successful, meaning we can continue to provide creative activities and opportunities for people all across Thurrock until at least March 2026.

Start Thurrock Executive Director Roxie Curry said: “We are delighted to have secured our funding for an extra 12 months.

“This will allow us to continue engaging communities in Thurrock and providing events and experiences residents want in the areas where they live.

“It has been amazing to see so many people this summer enjoying themselves at events we have been a part of, including Colourscape, Music of the Spheres and all of the Big Lunches. It’s exciting to have the chance to do more.

“I’d like to thank Arts Council England for their continued support and their offer for us to apply for this additional funding.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative People and Places is about more people taking the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural experiences in the places where they live.

Statistics show that since 2012, there have been over 15 million engagements with the CPP programme nationally and 90% of people who participate in CPP weren’t previously engaging regularly with creativity and culture.