Reach Inclusive Arts in Swindon awarded more than £90,000 by Arts Council England

Swindon charity Reach Inclusive Arts was awarded more than £90,000 through an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant, Swindon24 reported on 30 March 2026. The money was to pay for a 15-month programme.

The project aimed to widen access to the arts for people often left out of traditional creative spaces, including people with learning and physical disabilities, mental ill health or sensory impairments, and people experiencing isolation. Activities were to take place in communities as well as in arts venues.

Operations Manager Jeni Burchell said: "This will be the second stage of our research and development… it's really transformational for the organisation." She said the award "really puts inclusive arts on the map in Swindon."

A volunteer named in the report as Summer, who went on to become a group leader, said: "It gives people who have SEN a place to go when they don't feel like they can be accepted in this world."

What was planned with the money?

• The return of the Big Hat Cabaret
• A new Festival of Inclusion
• More community-based programmes and workshops
• More chances to work with professional artists

The charity was founded more than 40 years ago and works with people aged 16 to 97, according to the report. Ms Burchell described the Wyvern Theatre as "absolutely instrumental" to its growth.

Funded activity was expected to begin in the following months, with details for participants, artists and volunteers to be announced.

Source: Swindon24.