Arts and Culture East Devon - May news

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ACED

Dear Creative,

We are pleased to announce the new recipients of the latest round of our Creative East Devon Fund.

Don't forget to submit your nominations for ACED Volunteer of the Year 2026 by the deadline of 7 May.

Other news:

  • Register for the next ACED Network Meeting
  • May highlights
  • New artist opportunities
  • Latest training and funding opportunities 

Sidmouth Folk Festival

Sidmouth Folk Festival © Kyle Baker Photography

Creative East Devon Fund recipients announced

Nine art and culture projects in East Devon have been awarded grants ranging from £500 up to £3,000. From art workshops for local schools to contemporary dance and storytelling to music workshops supporting the culture offers at Sidmouth Folk Festival, Exmouth Festival, Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival and Budleigh Music Festival.

The Creative East Devon fund awarded a total of £19,810. All the projects will be completed by March 2027.

Find out more


vol of year 2026

Louise Cole & Laura Hewitt, ACED Volunteer of the Year 2025 © Emily Appleton

ACED Volunteer of the Year - deadline approaching

Honour a volunteer’s outstanding contribution to your arts / heritage organisation or festival and recognise the invaluable impact they make through the ACED Volunteer of the Year Award.

Deadline: Thursday 7 May, 5pm.

Nominate


Kennaway house

Kennaway House, Sidmouth

Summer ACED Network Meeting

Wednesday 3 June, 5 - 7pm

Kennaway House, Sidmouth

Join us to celebrate the nominees and winner of the ACED Volunteer of the Year 2026 at our Summer ACED Network Meeting.

Register


Axminster Theatre Group

Axminster Musical Theatre Group's anniversary

Congratulations to Axminster Musical Theatre Group on their 100th anniversary!

The group is marking its 100th anniversary with a special celebration concert, reflecting on a long history of performances and community involvement to be held at Axminster Guildhall, 14 - 15 May.


Sidmouth jazz festival

© Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival

May Highlight

Sidmouth Sea Fest: 15-16 May. A community event celebrating the coast, beginning with an excellent lineup of grassroots music and entertainment, community groups, arts, local food & drink and more!

Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival: 22-25 May. World-class jazz, blues, soul, funk, and gospel by the sea. An unforgettable weekend of live music, food, and community spirit. A free programme of inclusive music workshops and masterclasses to help build creative skills and confidence has been supported by the Creative East Devon Fund.


Free Training Opportunities

How to choose the right eCommerce path for you: Tuesday 19 May, 11 - 12. Free webinar for individuals and arts organisations to explore ways to generate income online and understand the practical steps involved, led by Katherine Brown, Tech Champion for eCommerce at Digital Culture Network.

AI Tools for your website: Thursday 21 May, 10.30 - 11.30. Free webinar on how we can use AI to improve our online presence.


Opportunity

Cultural Assets Commission. Arts Council England and Devon local authorities seek an experienced arts consultant for a piece of work to help secure the future of Devon’s cultural assets during local government reorganisation. Deadline: 11.05.26

 


east devon nl fund

Funding opportunities

East Devon National Landscape Fund: grants of up to £4,000 to help local wildlife, restore a historic feature or improve access to nature and help your community projects thrive. Deadline: 10.05.26

Scops Arts Trust: grants of up to £5,000 to help people to understand, participate in and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts. Support for early-career artists and children's music education. Deadline: 15.05.26

Capacity Builder: grants of up to £1,500 to help develop professional skills and build confidence amongst those working in museums. Deadline: 27.05.26

Community Care Fund: grants of £3,000 for community projects that bring people together and make a positive difference. Deadline: 31.05.26


Job opportunity or artist call to share? Send it to: aced@eastdevon.gov.uk. More funding and training opportunities and links to resources on ACED website.


Arts and Culture East Devon (ACED) is a network connecting the artistic communities of East Devon and providing a central platform to engage, network, promote and talk about arts and culture across the region.