Tameside Creative Communities Grants awardees announced

Film making courses, a community cinema and creative activities for young people are among the projects to be funded by the latest round of Tameside Council’s Creative Communities Grants.

Artists, community groups, and cultural organisations across Tameside are set to bring a diverse range of creative projects to life, helping to strengthen communities and showcase the borough's talent.

Following the announcement of the successful recipients of Tameside Council’s Creative Communities Grants (2026-2027), groups from across the borough will receive funding to deliver activities that celebrate culture, encourage participation and create opportunities for residents to come together.

Funded through the UK Government's Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (ED&RFG) programme and Greater Manchester Arts funding, the scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support high-quality, inclusive initiatives that increase access to arts and culture.

This year's programme includes visual arts, music, film, fashion, performance and engagement projects, highlighting the range of talent across Tameside and demonstrating the important role culture plays in the community.

This year's awardees reflect the borough's commitment to:

• widening access to arts and culture
• supporting local artists and grassroots organisations
• encouraging footfall in town centres and community spaces
• celebrating creativity, identity and local pride
• providing inclusive and welcoming opportunities for residents of all ages

2026–2027 Grant Awardees by Town:

Ashton‑under‑Lyne

Phantasmagoria CIC – The Ashton Winter Hare Trail

A free, festive eco‑creative art hunt featuring handcrafted recycled‑fabric hare sculptures displayed in Ashton’s shops.

WIDE – Threads of Heritage: BAME Women’s Fashion in Tameside

A community‑led celebration of BAME women’s fashion, identity and heritage through garments, oral histories, photography and creative workshops.

Droylsden

Hit The North – Worktown Now

A documentary photography project for 18–25‑year‑olds, inspired by Mass Observation techniques, culminating in a public exhibition and printed zine.

Denton

Tina Brown - Where’s My Monster? Window Art Trail

A February half‑term trail created with local children, transforming their handmade “friendly monsters” into eight hand‑painted window artworks displayed across Denton businesses.

Hyde

THE GRIOT ONE-GROUP (GOG) – Stronger Families and Communities Through West African Drumming

An intergenerational Community Drumming Choir offering hands‑on sessions for children, parents and adults, building confidence, cultural understanding and shared creativity.

Mossley

Friends of The Vale – Get Creative

A six‑week autumn creative course for up to 20 participants, reducing isolation and strengthening community engagement, culminating in a co‑created public artwork.

Audenshaw

Guide Bridge Theatre Ltd – Screen to Screen Take Two

A free three‑day filmmaking programme for 11–16‑year‑olds, led by young creatives and culminating in a public screening and documentary at GBT.

Stalybridge

GM Opera Collective – OPERA TAKEOVER: STALYBRIDGE

Stalybridge Civic Hall becomes a one‑day youth opera company, offering high‑quality coaching from professional singers and ending with an ambitious public performance.

Heyrod

Heyrod Residents Community Association – Cinema for the Community

A volunteer‑led monthly community cinema at Heyrod Village Hall, offering accessible screenings and a festive immersive finale.

Dukinfield

Gordon Banks - “…and d’you like that?” (Art)

A project inviting people of all ages to create and decorate 30cm human figures using traditional mould techniques, forming an installation of at least 50 characters displayed across Dukinfield and Tameside.

Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture at Tameside Council, Cllr Leanne Feeley, said: “Thank you to everyone who applied to be a part of the project, and congratulations to the awardees! We are delighted to support such a broad range of projects. These grants help unlock creativity, strengthen communities and bring people together through shared cultural experiences. We look forward to seeing these ideas come to life across Tameside.”