News
National Portfolio announcement
The Spark Arts for Children celebrates big funding news as part of Arts Council England National Portfolio announcement.
Leicester based charity, The Spark Arts for Children has cause for celebration. It has been announced that The Spark will continue to receive annual funding as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
The Spark will receive £176,047 per year, over three financial years from April 2023 to April 2026, maintaining the current level of support.
This funding means The Spark will continue to deliver its year-round programme of activities that includes the annual Spark Festival in February in Leicester. Providing extraordinary experiences for children, sparking creativity and change. It will also ensure, by working closely with Vital Spark Artists and Partner Organisations nationally, that children and young people will be able to see themselves reflected and represented in the stories they see and hear.
The Spark thanks Arts Council England for their continued support and recognition as an essential organisation in the cultural landscape of the UK, who will deliver the Let’s Create strategy through its work in theatres, galleries, community settings, libraries and schools.
”The news that Spark will maintain National Portfolio status for Arts Council England, is testament to the extraordinary work of the charity. It's an exciting time for The Spark, as we can now progress a number of ambitious plans that will not only introduce co-creation to our artistic process, but also to our managerial decision making. Ensuring that we truly respond to the diverse needs and wants of children and their families. Along with communities, artists and our stakeholders we will continue to make, programme and deliver ambitious work that is inclusive, accessible and relevant to our audiences and participants.
Christopher GorryArtistic Director, The Spark Arts for Children
”On behalf of the Trustee and staff team I am pleased that The Spark Arts for Children will continue to receive Arts Council National Portfolio funding over the next three years. Arts Council England funding through the NPO is important to us, providing a pivotal stream of income that ensures we are able to continue our work with partners and artists to deliver extraordinary cultural programmes that enable children to express themselves creatively, develop their capabilities as learners, and creators and of equal importance, provide moments of fun and joy for children, their families and their communities.
Mike CandlerChair of the Board of Trustees, The Spark Arts for Children
”Opportunities for children and young people to take part in the arts is key to developing the next generation of creative talent and The Spark Arts for Children provides just that. We're delighted to be investing in their work over the next three years and it'll be great to see them reach new audiences in venues throughout the Midlands.
Peter KnottArea Director, Arts Council England
