This decision is part of the authority’s commitment to supporting culture across the county.
The council’s cultural strategy aims to ensure the county continues to benefit from the social and economic advantages that arts, heritage, and culture can provide.
The 10 per cent uplift in grants reflects the council’s awareness of the pressures the arts, culture, and heritage sectors face in the current climate.
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This increase will raise the council’s funding for these areas to almost £379,000 in 2025/26.
Wiltshire Council supports four arts organisations across the county: Pound Arts in Corsham, Trowbridge Town Hall Arts, Wiltshire Creative in Salisbury, and Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon.
Each of these organisations delivers a range of programmes, including performances and community work to provide access to creative opportunities.
The council also funds Wiltshire Museum and Salisbury Museum.
Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for arts, heritage, and tourism, said: “As a council, we recognise and value the importance of what the arts, culture, and heritage sectors bring to the county.
“The benefits are felt not only in the economy and tourism but also support place shaping, helping to create vibrant communities and improve residents’ health and wellbeing.
“I am delighted that we have been able to increase our funding for next year and see it as an investment, providing our partners more opportunities to make arts, culture, and creativity accessible to all.”
Artistic director Gareth Machin and executive director Rosa Corbishley expressed their appreciation for the grant.
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They said: “We are delighted that Wiltshire Council has continued to build on its support of the thriving cultural sector in the county.
“In addition, this support from Wiltshire Council will enable us to build on the 15,000 young people and community participants who take part in our vibrant education and community programmes each year.”
Alan Wright, director of Trowbridge Town Hall, said: “The Trust appreciates the 10 per cent uplift in the annual subsidy received from the council, which will be a valued contribution towards delivering our services into the community.”
Russ Tunney, director of Pound Arts, said: “Wiltshire has an enviable reputation for the quality of its cultural offer and this is in no small part due to continued support from the council.
“In difficult financial times such as these people need the benefits that cultural engagement brings.”
Daniel Clark and Sarah Robertson, co-directors of Wiltshire Music Centre, said: “We are grateful for this funding uplift from Wiltshire Council.
“Their continued support and steadfast recognition of the huge value arts and culture bring is appreciated by everyone at Wiltshire Music Centre.”
