This toolkit describes how to set up a community arts fund using developer contributions. It is aimed at local authority officers – particularly in planning, regeneration, arts and culture and economic development roles – who want to leverage resources from development to support local people and arts organisations. It was commissioned by Hackney Council.
It draws on the experience of the Shoreditch & Hoxton Arts Fund and Social Life's evaluation of the Fund, based on research in winter 2023.
Arts and cultural activities can help support communities going through change, particularly when the projects are locally rooted and invite local residents to take part and share in the experience.
Many local authorities have used financial contributions from development, through Section 106 contributions or the neighbourhood element of the Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), to support arts and culture. When arts investment is channelled close to local communities it maximises its social impact, boosting wellbeing for individuals and communities.
