First Light Festival C.I.C awarded Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status

First Light Festival C.I.C in Lowestoft has been awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status in the latest round of funding from Arts Council England. The organisation, which alongside The Seagull Theatre will be the first NPOs in the Suffolk town, has run the hugely successful First Light Festival since 2019, as well as a series of creative and community programmes which include Market Place Project, Framlingham Town Youth Challenge, and the successful redevelopment of Lowestoft’s East Point Pavilion as a hub of culture, food and community in England’s most easterly town.  

As one of the 276 new organisations joining the existing 714 cultural institutes in Arts Council England’s portfolio, First Light Festival C.I.C will receive funding over three years to deliver further and more in-depth creative experiences in the region. As a portfolio organisation, First Light will contribute to “ensuring that more people in more places can find fantastic, fulfilling art and culture on their doorsteps” (Arts Council England).

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival C.I.C said: “This is a huge step forward for First Light, and a real recognition of the vibrant, cultural place that Lowestoft is. Our vision is to shine a light on the creative people and communities that call the town and its hinterland home, and this 3-year funding cycle will allow us to showcase this high-quality talent on a national platform. Lowestoft has long been a unique hub of artistic inspiration and community spirit, and this investment in the town will allow First Light to further develop this ambition, both at a grassroots level, and as part of the county’s wider creative landscape.”    

Clare Matterson, Chair of First Light Festival C.I.C Board of Directors said: “This is sensational news for the organisation. The success of First Light so far has been a testament to the incredible partnerships we have formed, including with the key local stakeholders that form our Steering Group, our partner organisations both in Lowestoft and across the country, and the wonderful group of volunteers who bring our projects to life. As an NPO, we’ll be able to extend the reach and depth of our work, and continue to create exciting, engaging opportunities in the town.”

Cllr Craig Rivett, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Deputy Leader at East Suffolk Council said: "This is fantastic news and a well deserved boost for First Light Festival C.I.C and Lowestoft. We are proud to have provided financial support for events which have created so much enjoyment and really put this part of the country on the map. The C.I.C is run by a brilliant, imaginative team and this is a real reward for what they have achieved."

Karen Read, Theatre Manager of The Seagull Theatre said: “We are so please that our partner and creative force First Light, have also been successful in becoming part of the National Portfolio for the Arts Council. We are looking forward to continuing to work together on supporting the people of Lowestoft through the arts.  First Light has had such a massive impact on our cultural community, it's exciting to image what more they will be able to do in the coming years.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

Image by Malachy Luckie