Arts in Libraries programme reaches every borough ward as successful year celebrated
St Helens Borough Council is reporting on a hugely successful year of its Arts in Libraries programme as it looks ahead to future funding opportunities.
Article date: 20 October 2026
The programme is funded by Arts Council England (ACE) through the council's Library Service as one of their National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) and delivers a wide range of creative activities throughout the year, working with artists, schools, community groups and residents to make arts and culture accessible to all.
An independent evaluation found that the Arts in Libraries programme continues to deliver significant cultural, social and community benefits across St Helens, with more than 14,000 engagements recorded through 200 activities and 435 sessions over the past year.
More than half of all activity took place in the borough's most deprived communities and for the first time the programme reached residents in all 18 wards through accessible community venues.
Audience satisfaction remained exceptionally high, with 99 per cent of participants rating their experience positively. The programme successfully engaged a diverse range of residents, including lower-income households, D/deaf and disabled people, neurodivergent audiences, families, older people and ethnically diverse communities.
Feedback highlighted positive impacts on wellbeing, social connection, learning and community cohesion, while schools-based activities reached more than 1,700 pupils. Teachers reported improvements in confidence, creativity, literacy, self-expression and engagement in learning.
The programme also supported the local creative sector by working with 166 artists and creative practitioners, including many emerging artists.
Funding for the programme is currently secured until March 2028, with applications opening soon for the next round of NPO funding, covering April 2028 to March 2033.
The council believes it is in a strong position to secure future funding due its existing NPO status and the borough's designation as a Department for Culture Media and Sports (DCMS) Priority Place for Culture.
If successful, the next round of funding could be upwards of £1.2 million over the five-year period.
The evaluation will be heard by Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday 21 October, with members asked to note the findings and approve submission of the grant application.
Councillor Stephen Claybrook, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said:
"The Arts in Libraries programme is a fantastic example of how culture can enrich lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
"These results demonstrate just how valuable the programme has become for residents across the borough. Not only has it brought high-quality arts and cultural experiences into our communities, but it has also helped improve wellbeing, encouraged learning, reduced social isolation and supported local artists and creatives.
"I am particularly pleased that the programme reached all 18 wards in St Helens this year through community venues, ensuring that more people than ever can access and enjoy cultural activities close to home.
"With funding secured until 2028 and further opportunities on the horizon, we look forward to building on this success and continuing to deliver inspiring and inclusive cultural experiences for our residents."