Could your creative project make a difference in Skegness or Mablethorpe?
SO Festival is launching a new programme of Community Commissions to support artists, creative practitioners, community groups, arts organisations and local partners to deliver ambitious creative projects that bring people together and celebrate the places they call home.
With funding of up to £5,000 available, these commissions are designed for projects that are ready to move beyond planning and into delivery, creating meaningful opportunities for people to take part in arts and culture across East Lindsey.
Before applications open, we’re inviting anyone interested in applying to join our free online launch event.
Join the Online Launch Event
Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 11am to 12pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
The launch event is an opportunity to find out more about the commissions, hear what we’re looking for and ask questions before preparing your application.
Whether you’re an artist developing a new community performance, a local organisation looking to engage residents through creativity, or a community group with an idea that could bring people together, this session will help you understand how the programme could support your project.
Funding Opportunities Available
SO Festival is offering four commissions:
- Two Community Performance Commissions worth £2,500 each to support the development and delivery of new community performances for SO Festival 2027.
- One Community Engagement Commission for Skegness worth £5,000.
- One Community Engagement Commission for Mablethorpe worth £5,000.
We’re looking for projects that demonstrate strong community relevance, meaningful participation and clear benefits for local people.
Projects might focus on:
- Heritage and storytelling
- Young people
- Older people and community life
- Health and wellbeing
- Nature and environment
- Tourism and place-making
- Community cohesion
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Professional artists
- Creative practitioners
- Creative teams
- Community groups
- Arts and cultural organisations
- Community-led organisations
- Local cultural partners
We particularly encourage applications from Lincolnshire-based applicants and those with strong connections to the communities of Skegness and Mablethorpe.
Key Dates
Launch Event: 1 December 2026, 11am-12pm
Applications Open: 1 December 2026
Application Deadline: 5 January 2027, 10am
Book Your Place
If you’re interested in delivering creative activity that can make a positive difference to local communities, join us for the online launch event and discover how the SO Festival Community Commissions could help bring your project to life.
Book your free place today and be among the first to hear about this exciting new opportunity.
