Arts service shines light on creative culture in St Helens Borough

Article date: 22 January 2026

They were all different ways that residents across the borough have been able to engage in the arts through a pioneering programme that is making it more accessible for all.

St Helens Borough Council's Library Service is funded by Arts Council England (ACE) as one of their National Portfolio Organisations (NPO's) to deliver the Arts in Libraries Programme.

And in the last year of operation the programme has run a wide range of events supporting residents including the St Helens Great Potato Festival, Shakespeare writing sessions and craft sessions through organisations designed to support people tackle loneliness, mental health issues and addiction.

At its meeting the council's Cabinet heard how the sessions had been praised by the public in the service's annual report including comments such as: "Thank you for providing creative and artistic opportunities that are so accessible to families. I love that my children are growing up with libraries and theatre threaded through their memories."

Another said: "What a fantastic way to bring the community into the library, we had a wonderful time attending with friends and left as library members taking our first books home to enjoy. Such a wonderful experience had!"

And in the last year the headline figures for this service unlocking culture for everyone include:

·       230 events delivered, with more than 100 aimed at children and young people.

·       7,100 audiences and participants have engaged, 25 per cent were families.

·       169 artists and creative practitioners have delivered a programme of performances, exhibitions, festivals, screenings, talks and workshops, with more than 52 per cent of artists being from the borough and half of these in the early stages of their career.

·       85 per cent of all audiences rate activities as good or very good and the net promoter score - an industry recognised score that measures customer loyalty and satisfaction - at 84.85 is the highest the Arts in Libraries programme has had. It is also much higher than the overall average score for arts and cultural organisations (average of 71).

·       The programme has engaged people from across the age groups and ethnic backgrounds; and, despite the barriers of access they typically face, almost 20 per cent of audiences were D/deaf and/or disabled, demonstrating how accessible and inclusive the programme is.

Councillor Sue Murphy MBE, Cabinet Member for Localities, Leisure and Culture, said: "Arts in Libraries is a real jewel in the crown for the work we do to support the rich culture we have in our borough and through the many testimonies it's clear the community really enjoy them. The report highlights that the service is helping to break down the barriers to arts for all with 41 per cent of our audiences coming from underrepresented and deprived areas of the borough. It is also unlocking access to those interesting in taking part in the arts, whether for wellbeing or future career purposes."

The service has been successful in applying for additional funding for 2026/27 and councillors at Cabinet have backed plans to submit for further funding for the year 2027/28.

To find out more about the Arts in Libraries service visit: Arts in Libraries Homepage - ArtsInLibraries