Making Art Part Of Everyday Life

We are delighted to share the announcement of a very special brand new partnership project. Please see below the Yeovil Reimagine Press Release – May 2026

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Major funding announced for a new two-year programme to place arts and culture at the heart of Yeovil.

A partnership of Yeovil Art Space, Somerset Council and organisations across Yeovil has successfully raised half a million funding for ‘Yeovil Reimagine’. The funding achieved includes £200K from Arts Council England Place Partnership Fund and £200K from Somerset Council, helping to shape a vibrant and positive future for the Somerset market town and its community.

Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West comments,

“We’re proud to invest in Yeovil Art Space through our Place Partnership Fund, made possible by National Lottery players. This investment is a testament to Zoe Li and her team’s creative ambition and the strength of collaboration between local partners.

“We know culture has the power to revitalise high streets, connect communities and build pride in place, yet historically not everyone has had equal access to these opportunities. By creating more ways for people to participate in creative experiences close to home, programmes like this are helping our investment reach more people across the region, and we look forward to seeing local resident’s benefit.”

Yeovil Reimagine is an ambitious collaborative project that brings inclusive art and cultural offer to Yeovil, starting at the town centre. Through major public realm art commissions by national and international artists, community partnerships and flagship cultural events, Yeovil Reimagine will bring new cultural offers for the community and support new creative enterprises led by young people. The project promises to ‘bring art to everyday life for everyone’ in the coming 2 years and beyond. 

Zoe Li, Executive & Artistic Director of Yeovil Art Space, says,

‘It is amazing to receive funding support from Arts Council England, enabling us to utilise the opportunities and relationships that we have built with the Somerset Council and partners to develop an inclusive arts and cultural offer in Yeovil. We are looking forward to working with artists and the community to create meaningful regeneration together.’

With Somerset Council and Yeovil Town Council as the main partners, the project aligns with the priorities for healthy, active communities, environmental responsibility, and partnership-led growth. 

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets said 

“This is a fantastic project which will help to breathe new life into the town centre of Yeovil, working in tandem with the ongoing regeneration work.

“It’s particularly satisfying that this will harness the talents of young people in our communities who will help leave a lasting impression on their town.”

‘Yeovil Town Council is delighted that the Place Partnership Bid for Yeovil was successful. The investment into the town to strengthen our cultural offer and further develop partnership working and collaboration supports our ongoing ambition for a more vibrant and thriving town centre.” – Amanda Card, Chief Executive of the Yeovil Town Council

Partnership working is vital to the project. The newly formed Yeovil Town Board, which gathers leaders from organisations across Yeovil, will oversee the delivery of Yeovil Reimagine as part of their remit to provide strategic advice on the town centre regeneration plan. 

‘Yeovil College is delighted that this opportunity will provide rich creative experiences to our students. Hugely supportive of the work to develop a vibrant, creative and cultural community in Yeovil and South Somerset.’ – Mark Bolton, CEO & Principal of Yeovil College

“This is very positive for Yeovil’s regeneration. We look forward to engaging businesses as key stakeholders in this exciting project for the town.”  – David Crew, Managing Director at Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Yeovil Art Space will lead the management and delivery of the project. Located in the town centre with the mission ‘Make Yeovil Creative’, they have always anchored their work through partnership and put community at the core. With projects such as Story of Yeovil and OUR TOWN, bringing a sense of pride and wellbeing to the town’s diverse communities. 

“This inspiring initiative will spark positively to transform our community through creativity and social connections. Together, we can start to shape Yeovil town centre into a vibrant hub of activity for all, creating a place that people are proud to visit and call home.” – Natasha Rand, Engagement Director at YAS and Connect Somerset Champion

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