In July, the Government launched a 12-week Call for Evidence on how National Lottery Good Causes funding should be distributed in the future.
The deadline for submissions is noon on 23 September 2026. Arts Council England is encouraging individuals and organisations to share their views and support their networks to do the same.
Why this matters
Arts Council England would like the Call for Evidence to receive the widest possible response. This consultation presents an important opportunity to help shape the future of a vital source of investment for the sector and to demonstrate why National Lottery investment in artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries matters to communities across England.
Read this blog post about the Call for Evidence from Arts Council England's Chief Executive, Darren Henley.
How to take part
Arts Council England is encouraging stakeholders to take a few minutes to:
Complete the Call for Evidence as an individual.
Complete the Call for Evidence on behalf of their organisation.
Share the consultation with staff, networks, audiences and communities, encouraging them to submit a response.
Respondents are encouraged to include specific local evidence wherever possible.
National Lottery funding supported in different areas can be explored using the National Lottery's open data tool: National Lottery Grants Data.
For additional context and support with case studies, stakeholders can also use the Arts Council Culture and Place Data Explorer.
About Arts Council England's response
To help stakeholders understand how Arts Council England is likely to respond, its submission is expected to include the following key messages:
National Lottery investment in culture delivers far more than arts activity: it strengthens communities, pride and belonging
National Lottery funding is invested in community festivals, libraries, museums, theatres and creative projects. This investment in creativity and culture brings people together in towns, villages and cities across the country. It helps reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen local pride and foster a greater sense of connection to local communities. The benefits extend well beyond culture itself, contributing to stronger, happier and more resilient communities.
Culture reaches people who would otherwise miss out, and local communities should continue to help shape funding priorities
In many cases, National Lottery-funded cultural programmes reach underserved communities and provide the first opportunity for people to access arts, culture or heritage activities. Cultural organisations work closely with communities to understand local needs and remove barriers to participation. Activities are co-designed with local people, helping ensure that funding reflects the interests and priorities of those communities.
With greater investment, culture could deliver even greater impact
The evidence from three decades of National Lottery funding demonstrates that cultural investment can transform lives and places. However, demand for cultural participation, community-led activity and creative opportunities continues to exceed available funding. Increased investment would enable cultural organisations to reach more people, support additional local priorities, nurture local talent and generate greater social and economic impact in communities across England.
You can look up what National Lottery funding has supported in different areas using the National Lottery's open data tool: National Lottery grants data
For additional context and to help you with case studies you can also use the Arts Council Culture and Place Data Explorer
Read this blog post from Chief Executive, Darren Henley:
Read more:
Complete the Survey https://dcms.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AH6yzCKhHFLbTM
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