Arts Council funding boosts culture and creativity at Explore York Libraries and Archives

Arts Council England has recognised how important Explore libraries are as creative spaces at the heart of local communities, and as the catalyst to bring together local people and the brilliant cultural opportunities in the City of York by awarding funding for culture and creativity.

Over the last few years, Explore York Libraries and Archives has enriched the lives of communities in York through inspiring cultural experiences.  They have discovered how much people want to be creative and have the very best art and culture available to them locally.

Over the next three years, as an Arts Council investment organisation, Explore will be funded to deliver opportunities for people to enjoy even more brilliant, fulfilling culture and creativity in trusted, welcoming spaces. In these challenging times it matters now more than ever.

Explore will be joining up with other Arts Council funded organisations in York - such as the Theatre Royal, Pilot Theatre, National Centre for Early Music, Next Door But One Theatre and York Museums Trust - to bring great cultural experiences into  libraries and unlock new creative talent.

  Explore is one of 990 organisations which will receive a share of £446 million investment from 2023-26.

• Explore is one of 276 new organisations to join the Investment Programme

Explore Chair, Chris Edwards said: “This investment from Arts Council will help us continue to challenge imaginations and ignite creativity and  support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists in York.” 

Explore Deputy Chief Executive, Sarah Garbacz said: “Explore is absolutely delighted to be part of the Investment Programme. Our fantastic, talented team will build on the foundations we have laid in recent years to develop our libraries and archives as cultural spaces at the heart of York’s communities.” 

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”