Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that arts organisations based in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire have access to national portfolio funding.

Arts Council England (ACE) makes National Portfolio (NPO) funding decisions independent of the government. The new NPO programme guidance was announced on 22 September and ACE is introducing a 5-year funding cycle commencing April 2028 with simplified processes and greater local and regional engagement. Information for applicants can be found on ACE’s website National Portfolio 2028-33 Applicant Hub | Arts Council England.

ACE is committed to ensuring a fair and consistent application process for all interested organisations regardless of their location, providing a comprehensive package of guidance and support alongside a series of webinars throughout October and November.