Appetite awarded £1 million by Arts Council England

Appetite has been awarded £1 million as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which sees £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.

Appetite has been the Creative People and Places programme for Stoke-on-Trent since 2013 with this funding securing three more years of investment. Building on strengths, embedded learning, community decision-making and strong partnership working as part of our successful model, Appetite will engage 48,000 audience members, 1,650 active participants and 400 volunteers throughout 2026-2029. Appetite offers additional benefits to Stoke-on-Trent using our model of inspiration, co-production, place-making and sharing learning. 

CPPs bring together community, grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities. CPPs are empowering local people to pursue the art they want, where they live. 

This funding is made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Every National Lottery ticket purchased generates money for good causes and enables people in villages, towns, and cities up and down the country to get access to cultural experiences where they live.

Rachel Adams, Appetite Director said: “Appetite, its Consortium, community decision makers, volunteers and partners are overjoyed at this funding announcement. It means Appetite can continue to engage and listen to communities and create impactful, incredible events and experiences in and for Stoke-on-Trent over the next three years.

Appetite brings something different to the Six Towns of Stoke-on-Trent; it’s about celebrating what we have and removing any barriers to communities getting involved. We’re always looking for volunteers to help deliver events, and for people to have their say on what should happen in their local areas. Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said: “Creative People and Places projects bring organisations and communities together to shape the creative and cultural activities available in their local area. Funded by the National Lottery, we are investing more than £9.2 million in the Midlands, to ensure more people can experience, connect and take part in creativity on their doorsteps. 

Appetite has been doing brilliant work in Stoke-on-Trent since 2013. After kicking off with an inspiring Taster Menu of art, it has gone on to provide a feast of family-friendly, breath-taking cultural events that have been enjoyed by thousands of people from across the city. It’s great news that they will be continuing to fulfil the region’s appetite for high quality creative and cultural experiences over the next three years.” 

The announcement today celebrates the additional funds from Arts Council England to continue work in Stoke-on-Trent. Appetite will continue to look for additional funding opportunities and partnerships to deliver in Newcastle-under-Lyme.