How Soul Flow won Arts Council England funding

Soul Flow is a small arts-based organisation in Whittlesey, Fenland, dedicated to celebrating local landscape and heritage through creative community programmes.

Challenge

After an initial unsuccessful application to Arts Council England for the Imaginary Field Project, Soul Flow needed to clarify its artistic vision, strengthen its outcomes, and present a more compelling case to secure funding for exhibitions, community workshops and artist residencies

My solution

  • Collaborated with Soul Flow to refine and strengthen the project’s outcomes and artistic vision.
  • Rewrote the funding application, ensuring a more straightforward, persuasive narrative aligned with Arts Council England’s and Fenland’s Cultural Strategy priorities.
  • Redesigned the project budget to demonstrate value for money and feasibility.
  • Highlighted the inclusion of an artist-in-residence programme, bringing nationally recognised artists to Fenland to enrich the cultural sector.
  • Connected Soul Flow with key partners, ensuring the project was supported by a stronger network of partners.

Results

  • Soul Flow’s revised application was successful, securing £30,000 in funding from Arts Council England for the Imaginary Field Project.
  • The funding enabled Soul Flow to deliver new creative opportunities, engage local communities, and enhance participation in the arts across Peterborough and Fenland.
  • The project hosted artist residencies, introducing nationally recognised arts and expertise to the area, and inspiring local engagement through exhibitions and community workshops.
  • Soul Flow has strengthened its position as an arts organisation and ensured ongoing support for its future work.

“Kirsten’s expertise helped us clarify our vision and present a stronger case for funding. Thanks to this support, we can now bring creative arts experiences to more people in our community.”

Karen MacKelvie, Artist and Director, Soul Flow

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