Current opportunities
Below are the opportunities currently available as part of the Place Partnership programme and our local arts and culture sector – including commissioning (funding), learning and volunteering opportunities.
If you have any opportunities to share with the Network, please send them to hello@swindonculturecollective.org.uk
Commissions (funding)
To learn more about Commissioning and how it works, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.
‘UNDERCURRENT’ COLLABORATION FUND – ROUND 1
Applicants are invited to apply for the ‘Undercurrent’ Collaboration Fund to deliver a new range of daytime and evening activities in our new pop-up unit in the Town Centre.
Working with The Brunel Swindon and our Creative Spaces Delivery Officer, the successful applicants will design and deliver a new 3-month programme of events that engages young people and family audiences alike. It’s all about working collaboratively to raise public awareness about the range of creative groups and talent operating in Swindon, and bringing it to the surface.
It encourages new and established groups / artists to work together; sharing space and programming opportunities, sharing skills and experience, and creating a varied and exciting new place for public audiences to visit.
Download the Commission Brief here, including details on how to apply.
Amount: £14,000 for total project costs
Deadline: Midday on 29 September 2026
CREATIVE ‘SEED-FUND’ – ROUND 1
Artists and Creatives are invited to apply for our new Creative ‘Seed-Fund’. This commission is open to all types of creatives, with the aim of supporting you to easily access smaller funds as fast as possible.
We’re releasing 8 rounds of £500 for Artists and Creatives to request support for purchasing essential materials, assets and equipment to help your practice. If there is a cost you really need covered, that would help you take the next step in your creative journey – this fund is for you.
Download the Commission Brief here, including details on how to apply.
Amount: £500 for essential costs
Deadline: Midday on 14 September 2026
‘GROUNDWORK’ AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT FUND – ROUND 1
Applicants are invited to develop new visual art work and deliver a public event at our new studio space in Arclite House under our new ‘Groundwork’ Audience Development Fund.
The fund is all about developing new local audiences in West Swindon, finding new, creative ways to encourage public participation in the arts, and giving artists the chance to show their work to new people.
It’s a chance to learn about the local area around Arclite House, connect with the community and pull inspiration from the scenic area that surrounds our new studio space.
Download the Commission Brief here, including details on how to apply.
Amount: £3,000 for artist fees, materials and expenses
Deadline: Midday on 14 September 2026
‘ACCELERATE’ SPACE ACTIVATION FUND – ROUND 1
Young Creatives are invited to take part in a new music-development opportunity in Buckhurst Skatepark, Walcot, as part of the ‘Accelerate’ Space Activation Fund.
With the support of Young Swindon and Wiltshire and WAY Studios, the area has now been fitted out with new music equipment to support a range of young people’s music interests. We are offering 10 pots of funding for Young Creatives who want to develop their skills in music production / performance.
This opportunity includes 6 sessions over 6 weeks, facilitated by WAY Studios and Gloucester Music Hub who will deliver weekly mentoring sessions.
Successful applicants will also gain the option to further develop their production / performance skills in leadership roles as part of South Swindon Parish Council’s ‘Buckhurst Festival’ in 2027.
If you are a young person who is passionate about music and wants to be part of new creative opportunities in your local area, then this fund is for you!
Download the Commission Brief here, including details on how to apply.
Amount: £450 for time and travel expenses
Deadline: Midday on 31 August 2026
Learning
SWINDON CULTURE CONNECTIONS – 1ST EDITION
This October we’ll be holding Swindon’s first ever conference-style gathering of arts and cultural creators!
We hope you can join us for this exciting first edition where we will be exploring and learning from local and national organisations and individuals on the important theme of Co-creation.
The future of Swindon’s cultural sector won’t be built in a single day. But the relationships, ideas and shared understanding that make that future possible can begin here.
Saturday 17 October from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm at STEAM Museum.
Find out more and REGISTER here.
Tickets for this event are FREE of charge, including lunch and refreshments, please register for yours SOON!
If you are a freelancer who would be taking time away from your usual work to attend this event, you can apply for a bursary of £100 to cover your time. To do so, please email hannahparry@swindonculturecollective.org.uk soon after registering.
SINGING CPD FOR PRIMARY EDUCATORS
As part of the Place Partnership programme’s Progression Pathways workstream, Royal Ballet & Opera are delivering FREE certified CPD for Primary educators in Swindon.
The final in this series of three is focused on ‘Create & Sing’ and will be held on Tuesday 6 October 2026, from 9am – 3pm, at Swindon Music Service.
For more information and to register a ticket, see here.
Volunteering
THE BIG TOWN CENTRE CLEAN UP
Swindon Borough Council is planning a series of public realm improvements across the town centre during the final two weeks of August, aimed at enhancing the environment and creating a more welcoming experience for residents, visitors and businesses.
As part of this initiative, local volunteers are invited to get involved and help make a positive difference to key public spaces, including potential improvements around Theatre Square on Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 August from 9.30am – 3pm. This will include things like; graffiti removal, rubbish and waste clearance, vegetation clearance, cleaning, painting of benches and planters.
SBC are reaching out to Swindon’s arts and culture sector to try and build a volunteer group to help tackle these issues at Theatre Square. Please email hello@swindonculturecollective.org.uk to express your interest and we will forward your details to SBC.