Fifteen creative projects across Coventry have been awarded funding through Coventry City Council’s new Made in Cov Arts & Creative Grants programme.
The council launched the scheme in April 2026 to support local artists, community organisations and freelancers in co-creating activities with residents that enable creative expression and bring communities together.
Made in Cov also aims to address gaps and inequalities in residents’ access to arts and culture in the city. By reducing financial and access barriers, organisers say a wide range of residents will now be able to take part in and enjoy creative arts opportunities.
An awarding panel prioritised projects in eight areas of the city where opportunities to engage in culture have historically been limited, with the aim of opening doors for people who haven’t always had access to creative experiences.
The 15 grant recipients, made up of organisations and independent creatives, are:
Vanny Radio
The Albany Theatre
Coventry Biennial
WATCH Charity
Extraordinary Us
Arts Uplift
Hope In Unity
Sahyadri Friends Group
Seanchaí Collective
Open Theatre
Foleshill Creates
Asha Eade-Green and Georgia Cowie
Duncan Whitely
Emilie Lauren Jones
James Robinson and Ross McCormick
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, welcomed the projects getting underway.
“They will help bring communities together by giving residents the chance to share their creativity and connect with one another,” he said. “This programme will play an important role in making Coventry’s culture and arts scene more inclusive.”
Among the recipients is Extraordinary Us, whose grant will fund a project celebrating Coventry City FC supporters. Paul O’Donnell from the organisation said:
“We’re going to create a Museum of Me, that celebrates fans of CCFC who have stuck with the team through thick and thin. We’re city till we die.” He added that the investment “undoubtedly helps make [Coventry] an exciting, forward thinking and vibrant place for its people.”
Vanny Radio, another recipient, plans to use its funding to expand creative opportunities for local residents, particularly children and young people, through music production, broadcasting, storytelling, digital media and community engagement projects.
Thaddeus Atiemo from Vanny Radio said:
“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured to receive support through the Made in Coventry Fund. Having the support of Coventry City Council means a great deal to us. It demonstrates a commitment to nurturing grassroots creativity, celebrating Coventry’s rich cultural diversity and ensuring that arts and culture remain accessible to everyone.”
Further details on creative grants and other culture and arts opportunities are available on Coventry City Council’s Arts and Culture webpage.
