Culture in Common
Culture in Common is a New Forest programme creating more opportunities for everyone to see and take part in creative activities.
The programme’s name is inspired by the ancient New Forest tradition of Commoning, along with the ambition to unite people through a shared vision of arts and culture driven by local people.
About Culture in Common
The programme is overseen by a consortium of five local organisations: Energise Me, Folio, New Forest District Council, The Handy Trust and the New Forest National Park Authority.
In December 2021, Arts Council England announced funding for 11 brand new Creative People and Places programmes and Culture in Common saw an initial investment of £1 million. In November 2025 it was announced that Culture in Common was awarded a further £1 million as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which saw £42 million invested in 45 programmes from 2026–29, to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average.
As the further funding was announced, Programme Director of Culture in Common Jacqui Ibbotson said: ‘We’ve already got big plans with our partners in the New Forest over next three years. We’ll be continuing to bring professional performances to communities, to engage people of all backgrounds and ages in experiences right on their doorstep… we will soon be announcing the exciting new commission of a mobile arts centre. There’ll be environment projects with young people, creative health events and we’ll keep supporting arts and crafts workshops where everyone can get involved. Everything will be tailored to what New Forest residents tell us they want to see for their community.’
Where is it focused?
Culture in Common set out target areas where engagement in arts and creative activities is lowest. It began in Totton and the Waterside in year one, arrived in New Milton in year two and the Avon Valley in year three.
The environment, conservation and sustainability
Culture in Common has been working to combine nature and the environment with artistic projects to inspire and engage local communities. There has been a particular focus on young people, bringing to life their vision of the Forest and natural environment that surrounds them, as well as their feelings on nature and climate.
Community anchors
Decisions on the programme are made with the help of the consortium and a panel of community champions. These are people from Culture in Commons target areas across the New Forest, unsung heroes that organise or support local events and are helping to connect to groups of people that don’t experience much arts and culture.
Learn more about the programme’s activities and results in Culture in Common’s impact report.