Between January and April 2025, Well Doncaster held 939 community conversations and attended 129 local events to explore what arts and culture mean to Doncaster residents.
The aim was to understand the role of arts and culture in everyday life across the city. Insights were thematically analysed, leading to localised recommendations, including specific priorities for children and young people.
You can read the full report here: Telling Our Story - Arts and Culture Report
Recommendations are highlighted below:
Central
Enhance Multicultural Initiatives
Promote and support multicultural events and activities to strengthen community bonds and central understanding.
Promote Arts and Culture
Increase funding and support for arts and cultural venues to enrich residents' lives and foster community engagement.
Expand Opportunities for Youth
Create more opportunities for children and young people to engage with arts and cultural activities, ensuring these offerings are well-promoted and accessible.
North
Promote Historical Heritage
Increase promotion and celebration of Doncaster's historical sites and events, including its mining heritage and local history groups.
Support Mental Health Initiatives
Develop and support arts and culture programmes that focus on mental health and wellbeing.
Enhance Community Engagement
Encourage and support local art clubs, community projects and family friendly events to foster a sense of belonging.
South
Enhance Community Engagement
Support and expand community spaces and local clubs to foster social connections and cultural engagement.
Promote Heritage
Develop initiatives to celebrate and preserve Doncaster’s rich history and heritage, such as local history festivals and storytelling events.
Support Creative Hobbies
Provide resources and opportunities for residents to engage in creative hobbies, such as arts and crafts workshops and photography clubs.
East
Improve Accessibility
Address accessibility barriers by providing affordable transit options, outreach programs, and physical adaptations for mobility. Consider offering more free and accessible events.
Promote Heritage
Develop initiatives such as local history festivals, storytelling events, and museums dedicated to coal mining to engage younger generations and honour the community’s legacy.
Support Local Artists
Amplify local artists and support creative urban expressions like street art, which resonate strongly with residents and reflect the community’s unique stories.
Children & Young People
Support Creative Activities
Provide more opportunities for CYP to engage in creative activities, such as arts and crafts workshops and music lessons.
Enhance Outdoor Spaces
Maintain and improve parks and green spaces to ensure they remain accessible and enjoyable for CYP.
Foster Community Engagement
Support community events and activities that bring CYP together and provide spaces for socializing.
Cultural Connections Grant
Use this grant to celebrate culture in Doncaster. Base your project on your locality’s or the Children & Young People recommendations.
Need help identifying your area -please contact your local Well Doncaster Officer who can advise.
How much is the grant?
You can apply for a maximum of £500, and there is no minimum amount. Only one grant per organisation.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be delivering in Doncaster and include:
Not-for-profit voluntary or community organisations
Registered charities
Faith-based organisations
Not-for-profit companies, Community Interest Companies (CICs), or social enterprise
When is the deadline to submit applications?
Applications must be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 14th September 2025. Please not that due to the time constraints in ensuring that you receive the funds prior to your event, the deadline will not be extended. Please submit all applications using the Microsoft Forms Link.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications must be submitted using the format in the form above. We will not accept applications through any other format.
