We’re really pleased to share some positive news for Arts Outburst and the communities we work with. From 2026/27, Arts Outburst will receive a 5% uplift to our core funding from Arts Council England — a welcome investment that will support the next chapter of our work across Thurrock and beyond.
The uplift, confirmed by Arts Council England’s Funded Organisations team and announced by the Culture Secretary, recognises the impact of our work over time. It reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive, high-quality creative opportunities, and to widening access to arts and culture — particularly for children, young people and communities who are often underrepresented or underserved.
This additional funding will allow us to strengthen and sustain what we already do well, while continuing to respond creatively to local need. It will support our programmes, our artists and creative facilitators, and the welcoming, artist-led spaces that sit at the heart of Arts Outburst’s work.
Daryl Branch, CEO and Artistic Director of Arts Outburst, shared:
“We are incredibly pleased to receive this uplift in funding. At a time when the arts and cultural sector continues to face significant challenges, this support represents a strong vote of confidence in our work, our values, and the communities we serve. It will allow us to build on what we do best — creating welcoming, meaningful, artist-led opportunities that make a genuine difference.”
Our Chair, Rebecca Danyali, also reflected on what this moment means for the organisation:
“This uplift reflects the strength of Arts Outburst’s leadership, governance and long-term vision, as well as the depth of its impact locally. As a Board, we are proud of the organisation’s commitment to artistic quality, financial responsibility and community accountability. This additional investment will help ensure Arts Outburst remains resilient, responsive and ambitious as it continues to serve communities across Thurrock.”
We know that none of this work happens in isolation. We’re hugely grateful to our partners, participants, artists, funders and supporters who continue to place their trust in Arts Outburst. Your belief in what we do — and why we do it — is what makes moments like this possible.
As we look ahead, this uplift gives us confidence and stability to keep growing with care, creativity and ambition. We’re excited about what’s next, and we can’t wait to continue creating, learning and making noise together. 💙