The Wilson receives funding award for pioneering arts programme ‘We Are Creators’

The Wilson, Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum, is delighted to announce it has secured a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England to expand its pioneering artist development programme We Are Creators – a project that celebrates emerging artists and strengthens creative communities across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Now entering a new phase, We Are Creators has already made a significant impact over the past three years, supporting 24 emerging artists through studio space, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. The programme has delivered four exhibitions of resident artists’ work in The Wilson’s Community Gallery, worked with six creative community partners, and hosted 21 editions of Wilson Nights – free monthly artist-led events combining performance, visual art, and community participation.

This new investment from Arts Council England is a powerful recognition of The Wilson’s role in nurturing Cheltenham’s artistic landscape and helping to build its creative ecosystem. With this support, the programme will expand over the next two years, supporting a further 14 artist residencies, delivering two new exhibitions, 24 Wilson Nights events, and growing its network of creative community partnerships.

“We’re thrilled by this funding,” said Oliver Tipper, Creative Communities Producer at The Wilson. “It gives us the opportunity to build on the momentum of the past three years, further empower early-career artists, and create more opportunities for local people to take part in creative experiences. We Are Creators is not just a platform for artists – it’s helping shape Cheltenham into a thriving centre for creative communities, a place where artists and designers are supported, visible, and valued.”

Lisa Edgar, Head of Culture & Communities at The Cheltenham Trust, added: “This award is a huge boost for the creative sector in Cheltenham. We Are Creators has shown the powerful impact that focused artist support and community collaboration can have. With this funding, we can strengthen our commitment to inclusion, innovation, and creative excellence.”

Former residents also spoke of the difference the programme has made:

“It has given me the confidence to truly believe in myself as an artist,” said Tolmeia Gregory. “I could not recommend the programme enough, especially for younger artists who don't have much financial support.”
Zack Thorne said, “The programme allowed me to grow in confidence in my own painting practice. It also helped me develop workshop delivery skills with younger audiences.”

This next phase of We Are Creators will deepen The Wilson’s role as a civic cultural space and provide a unique framework for collaboration between artists and communities – generating lasting value for Cheltenham’s creative economy and public life.

Applications for the next round of the Artist Studios Programme will open in August and remain live throughout September. Emerging visual artists from across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire are encouraged to apply. Full details will be available on The Wilson’s website and social media channels.

More information on We Are Creators can be found at: cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/we-are-creators