There were 27 applications for the Aspire Grants and with the funding available the independent panel of Liverpool City Region creatives and programmers have been able to award 10 projects.

With the overarching theme of Made In Halton, these grants aim to bring art, creativity and culture to the heart of our community. With accessibility, affordability, opportunity and ambition driving all of them.

For those the panel where unable to award Halton Borough Council and Cultivate Halton will support to develop and source suitable funding to make their projects possible either within Culture 26 year or beyond.

With over £217,000 worth of high quality applications for a pot of £60,000 it is clear Culture is well and truly alive in Halton. The panel only wished they could fund all of the applications. Funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham’s 2% budget for Culture initiative.

The Access grants of up to £500 for small events or match funding for activities within 2026 are available through the year whilst funds allow.

For an application form please contact Halton Borough Council Community Development on communitydevelopment@halton.gov.uk or the Culture Officer on louise.nulty@halton.gov.uk

Aspire Grant Recipients

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum – Developing an Escape room, science inspired comedy night and music events in the museum.

Dawnstar Gaming – Site specific Dungeons & Dragons sessions with live audience

Hummingbird Art Studio – Heritage inspired mosaic panels in a variety of locations, working with young people.

Make Mouth Music CIC – Halton Beats and Colours, rap, beatboxing and graffiti in 14 Primary schools.

Mersey Care NHS Charity – Artist led workshops for service users in Thorn Road clinic and The Brooker Centre, including murals and artworks for communal areas.

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens – New range of sessions for Make It, Halton. Creative sessions for the community and schools with subsidised places Windmill Hill residents.

Re-Dock CIC – Artist Residency in Widnes Market, with workshops/ pop ups and Phantasmagoria Festival

Runcorn Community Choir – Choir Festival on Runcorn Hill Bandstand

Trinity Safe Space & LOOSE – Programme of events and world music gigs including a ceilidh and a series of creative workshops and photography exhibition.

Woolyback Crafts – Mobile pottery club, in a variety of community venues with final exhibition.

We will shine a spot light on each of the projects in the near future.