Communities to benefit from £15 million cultural boost

Cultural organisations in Rochdale will share in £15 million being spent across Greater Manchester to boost their impact on communities.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has unveiled the funding package for the region’s thriving cultural sector.

The investment is part of new Mayor Bev Craig’s wider commitment to restore pride in every postcode and put ‘things to do’ at the heart of towns and will be spread over three years.

The extra funding will help organisations such as grassroots music venues, community theatres, and local production companies to help promote wellbeing, community cohesion and good growth by bringing expertise in new areas including youth engagement, disability arts, community music-making, and grassroots cultural participation.

Among those to benefit are Rochdale-based Breaking Barriers, a multidisciplinary production company which co-creates work with local communities to amplify unheard voices, which has received an annual award of £40,000.

Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director of Breaking Barriers, said: “We’re beyond excited to be recipients of the GMCA Culture Fund 2026-2029.

“It’s a real testament of the impact of our work and how it supports communities, young people, and the appetite for cultural interventions across our boroughs.

“We’re proud to have been selected amongst so many incredible organisations, and we look forward to creating long lasting impact.”

Skylight Circus Arts, a small charity also based in Rochdale, has secured an annual award of £27,540 for its inclusive circus workshops for communities and schools in Greater Manchester.

Four groups in the borough will each receive between £27,000 and £40,000

Projects include working with children and young people with registered disabilities and refugees, asylum seekers and Roma participants.

Two other Rochdale organisations, Sound Roots and Cartwheel Arts, have already been allocated £40,425 and £34,650 a year respectively.

Ms Craig said: “Shared cultural experiences are powerful opportunities to bring people together, create opportunities and build pride.

“We are investing more than £15 million for culture over the next three years, funding organisations of all shapes and sizes, in all 10 boroughs, so that everyone in Greater Manchester has access to an experience that speaks to them.

“Doorstep access to everything from theatre to live music, dance to documentary filmmaking, has the power to transform lives and shape communities. The Culture Fund is a key part of my commitment to putting things to do at the heart of our towns.”

Rachel Laver, Managing Director of Rochdale Development Agency, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for Rochdale and a clear recognition of the quality, ambition and community impact of our cultural sector.

“We are delighted to see Breaking Barriers Rochdale and Skylight Circus Arts join the Greater Manchester Culture Fund portfolio alongside Cartwheel Arts and Sound Roots.

“The RDA has worked closely with local organisations over recent years to create opportunities, support partnerships and attract investment into the borough.

“This funding provides important long-term backing for organisations that are deeply rooted in our communities and are helping more people take part in creative and cultural life.”

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