Creative, Confident Communities
Hijinx Theatre
We want to strengthen the bonds in communities, helping local people to build vibrant, confident places where they can fulfil their creative, human, and economic potential.
Places where the local economy works better for the people who live there, where there is equality of access to arts and culture, and where communities are at the heart of change.
Working with others, we will contribute to three key impact goals by 2030:
- Communities use their power to make change happen
- Local economies work better for the people who live there
- Culture and creativity build thriving communities
For all our work in Creative, Confident Communities, we mean communities connected by a place.
Our priorities
We have three priorities through which we believe we can best contribute to these goals over the next seven years.
To apply for funding under any of these priorities, please read our guidance, which shares more on what we're looking for in all applications in Creative, Confident Communities, as well as the types of work we're focusing our support in for each priority. More information about applying for a grant is here.
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Communities working together for change
We seek out work where communities are at the heart of the changes they want to make and develop transformative models that others could learn from.
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Community driven enterprise and regeneration
We believe local economies work better when local people have a stronger stake in how they operate. Models of economic development which are led by or owned by the community are more responsive to local needs, build resilience and positively contribute to economic equity, nature recovery and social inclusion in a place.
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Community-led art and creativity
We believe culture and creativity can bring people together and strengthen communities. The shared vision that results from community-led, cross-sector collaboration demonstrates the potential of creative partnerships in delivering social, environmental, and economic wellbeing.
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You might be interested in
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14 September 2026The Involving Young People Fund: supporting young people to invest in their communities
From 2024 to 2025, 11 young people from Wakefield and Barnsley co-designed a £90,000 Fund to support projects that address challenges faced by young people in their communities.
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Citizens for Culture: the making of a citizen-led Cultural Plan
A new 16-minute documentary tells the story of the West of England’s Citizens’ Assembly for Culture through the people who took part – and invites more people to be part of what happens next.
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Social and affordable housing: Investment deep dive
An investment deep dive on social and affordable housing in the UK, giving an overview of the challenges facing the sector as well as both the impact and the investment opportunity for asset allocators. It also offers guidance on community-centred approaches.
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Community-led art and creativity: mid-strategy review
We’re pleased to share a report by DHA Communications reviewing Esmée Fairbairn Foundation’s support for community-led art and creativity. It looks at the context for this work and what progress has been made. Alison Holdom, Esmée Funding Lead for Creative, Confident Communities, also shares reflections on the recommendations.
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