New Creative Blackpool Seed Fund's 1st major investments amid City of Culture 2029 bid
"This funding means the world to us.”
Five Blackpool creatives and creative businesses have become the first recipients of the new Creative Blackpool Seed Fund.
The fund is a landmark investment programme designed to support local creative talent as the town strengthens its cultural ambitions, including its bid for UK City of Culture.
Delivered through Creative Blackpool's Arts Council England Place Partnership, the fund attracted 50 applications from across the town, highlighting the depth of talent and ambition within Blackpool's growing creative sector.
The successful recipients represent a wide range of creative disciplines, including performance, theatre, dance, singing, music, sound, DJ-ing, visual arts, craft, photography and creative events, showcasing the diversity of Blackpool's cultural community.
Keith and Ruth from Black Liver, one of the successful applicants, said: "This funding means the world to us. 'Gallery of Rogues' is about telling the stories of women who've been left out of the picture — literally and historically — and now we get to do that with the communities that matter so much to us."
The Seed Fund is part of Creative Blackpool's long-term ambition to build a sustainable creative ecosystem, supporting local talent while strengthening the town's cultural offer.
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‘Talent and ambition’
Kerry Vasiliou, Partnership Director at Creative Blackpool, said: "Fifty applications for our first ever Seed Fund is a clear sign of the talent and ambition that exists right across Blackpool's creative community. Choosing just five recipients was no easy task, and it speaks to the strength of what we saw come through.
“This Fund is about more than one-off support. It's about backing the people who will shape Blackpool's creative future, giving them the resources and confidence to develop ideas that might otherwise stay on the shelf. We can't wait to see what these five go on to create, and we're already looking forward to opening the next round."
The announcement comes as Blackpool is one of nine places shortlisted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for UK City of Culture status. If successful, the town would receive £10 million in government funding for a year-long programme of arts and culture, alongside additional investment, sponsorship and regeneration opportunities that would benefit residents and boost the visitor economy.
For more information about Creative Blackpool and the Seed Fund, visit creativeblackpool.com