applicatiOns nOw Open: culturE CatalySt micrO-CommissiOnS
Got an idea that brings people together in Wimborne?
The Culture Catalyst Micro-Commissions are part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 - supporting simple, creative ideas that spark connection, curiosity and community.
It offers small grants of £50–£750 (inclusive of VAT) to support creative ideas that bring people together, spark curiosity, and make something new happen in Wimborne.
You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need experience.
If you’ve got an idea - we want to hear it.
We’re looking for ideas that:
Bring people together in new ways
Happen in unexpected places
Feel fresh, inclusive, and relevant to people today
Help build a sense of shared experience across the town
what kind of ideas can i propose?
Almost anything. Your idea might be:
A pop-up event or performance
A creative workshop or shared activity
A temporary installation or artwork
A sports, movement or wellbeing activity with a creative twist
A digital or interactive experience
Something completely unexpected
You don’t need to fit into a category—just focus on creating something meaningful and engaging for people in Wimborne.
about the theme: culture catalyst
Rather than a strict theme, we’re interested in ideas that spark creativity, ignite curiosity and bring culture to life in unexpected ways.
This could include bringing people or communities together, reimagining local places, linking past, present and future, or creating entirely new cultural experiences we haven’t yet imagined.
The Culture Catalyst Micro-Commission project is part of a wider vision for Wimborne in 2026 - celebrating what’s come before while creating what comes next.
Read the Wimborne 2026 manifesto
who can apply?
We welcome applications from:
Individuals
Artists and creatives
Community groups and informal collectives
Schools and youth groups
Sports clubs
Local businesses
First-time applicants
No previous experience is required - we’re keen to support people who haven’t applied for funding before.
who should your project connect with?
We’re particularly interested in projects that reach:
People who may feel isolated or less connected
Children and young people, especially as creators or leaders
Residents in newer housing developments
Intergenerational groups
You don’t have to target all of these - just think about who your idea is for, and how it brings people together.
inclusion & accessibility
Culture belongs to everyone. We encourage applications from people who are:
d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent
From Global Majority backgrounds
Underrepresented in cultural activity
All projects should think about access from the start. This might include:
Physical access (e.g. seating, step-free access)
Keeping activities free or low-cost
Offering relaxed or sensory-friendly approaches
Clear communication (e.g. captions, simple language)
Helping people travel or take part locally
what are the requirements?
Your project application should:
Take place in Wimborne or its surrounding communities
Be delivered during 2026
Request between £50 and £750 (inclusive of VAT)
Be a new idea (not existing ongoing activity)
Include a simple budget
Show how you’ve considered access and inclusion
Consider environmental impact where possible
what we can’t fund
Projects outside the Wimborne area
Activities that have already taken place
Ongoing core costs (e.g. regular staffing)
Purely commercial activity without community benefit
Political or religious campaigning activity
what support will you receive?
If selected, you’ll get more than funding:
Promotion through the official 2026 programme
Help finding spaces or pop-up locations
Guidance on planning, safety, and delivery
Connections to other local creatives and partners
how to apply
You can apply in whichever way suits you best:
Option 1: Online form
Option 2: Video application
Complete Section 1 of the form, then email a link to a short video (max. 2 minutes) to:
info@wimborne2026.com
deadline
9:00am, Monday 20 April
We aim to respond within 14 days of the deadline.