Instigate Arts
Instigating positive change through arts production and participation
Community Building | Place Making | Social Value | Excellent Art
What we do
Who we are and what we do
We are a Community Interest Company made of working-class creatives who are industry experts.
We understand the impact creativity has on instigating growth in individuals, organisations, neighbourhoods, and economies.
We work with diverse artists to create opportunities and maximise support, allowing them to make great work unhindered and to develop sustainable livelihoods.
We partner with businesses to inspire and expand creative thinking through arts, well-being, and culture.
We partner with developers to build community and celebrate culture.
We partner with galleries, festivals, museums, and universities to creatively challenge hierarchies of representation.
The challenge and the opportunity
The challenge
Across the UK, the arts are under increasing pressure.
Public funding is oversubscribed and competitive. Independent funders are overwhelmed. Artists spend unpaid hours applying for grants with low success rates. Those without time, confidence, networks or financial backing are disproportionately excluded.
At the same time, representation across the creative industries remains uneven. Working-class creatives, disabled artists, older emerging artists, freelancers and carers face systemic barriers. Many are balancing multiple jobs just to remain in the sector.
The result is a narrowing pipeline of talent, reduced diversity of voice, and creative careers that are unsustainable for many of the very people shaping contemporary culture.
“When my studio rents increased I started taking on more and more workshops and teaching… I haven’t made any of my own artistic work for two years.” Textile artist, Salford
Meanwhile, businesses and developers increasingly recognise the importance of culture, wellbeing and community investment, yet often lack a trusted, agile partner who understands where support can make the greatest difference.
The opportunity
Instigate Arts operates at the intersection of creativity, social impact and business objectives. We translate corporate resources into meaningful cultural impact and bring artists into spaces where they can thrive.
When a business invests in culture, it:
- Creates paid opportunities for artists
- Helps local creative economies grow stronger
- Brings real, measurable benefits to society
- Improves employee wellbeing and helps keep teams together
- Fosters genuine connections within the community
- Encourages inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone
- Demonstrates ESG commitment in action
Instigate Arts 