National Portfolio Organisation (NPO)

The NPO status means that Warwickshire Libraries is receiving funding from Arts Council England’s Investment Programme for a three-year period. This includes support to deliver a variety of cultural and creative programming and outreach activities, with a particular focus on libraries in North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, which also meet the criteria for assistance as part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.

Our three-year delivery will enable us to:

• create new and exciting opportunities for Warwickshire communities to enjoy and participate in arts, culture and heritage;
• co-create and produce work which is inclusive, accessible, and representative of Warwickshire’s communities;
• celebrate the diversity and rich heritage of our local communities with forgotten stories from our collections, championing and highlighting residents’ hidden voices;
• develop partnerships with artists and organisations across Warwickshire and the wider sector, with a commitment to equality and fair pay;
• use Warwickshire County Council’s Community Powered approach to underpin our artistic and cultural activity to empower communities;
• encourage and develop the creative and practical skills of our staff,
• embedding opportunities to approach cultural programming innovatively;
• promote libraries as places for communities to experience and access great literature, art, culture and heritage, in all of its forms, within their communities;
• evaluate our activity so that we are driven and informed by data and able to monitor the scope and impact of our ambition and activity;
• collaborate and share learning with other NPOs and Library services;

NPO status will enable Warwickshire Libraries to be seen as a leader in arts and cultural activities and delivery, whilst also helping Council priority groups and supporting key actions in The Council Plan more effectively.

Cllr Andy Jenns, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation, said:

“This is an incredible achievement for Warwickshire Libraries and our county, and we are delighted to work together with Arts Council England, whose ten-year Let’s Create strategy is very closely aligned with the County Council’s own values and objectives, particularly with regards to levelling up and having a community powered approach.”

“Warwickshire Libraries’ ambitions following this announcement are to grow and develop a high-quality cultural offering that will deliver for the people of Warwickshire. It is important to us that our approach is aligned with the priorities outlined in our Council Plan, the Let’s Create strategy, and most importantly the needs of our residents and communities. This new source of funding will provide a solid base on which to grow and diversify our library audiences, and help make Warwickshire the best it can be, now and for future generations.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said:

“Libraries are trusted, creative spaces at the heart of their communities, free to enter and open to everyone – and we're delighted to be welcoming Warwickshire Libraries to the portfolio for the next three years. I look forward to seeing even more people visiting their local libraries across Warwickshire reading and enjoying creativity together.”

To deliver the 3 year investment programme a NPO Team has been appointed:

• Lucy Carlton-Walker – Creative Director
• Dr Anjna Chouhan – Creative Producer
• Louise Minton – Project Co-ordinator

For further information please email: libraryenquiryteam@warwickshire.gov.uk

The NPO Team are supported by a NPO Advisory Board to develop the strategy and activity plan.