New Forest Heritage Centre

Culture in Common is a community-led arts and culture programme for the New Forest, funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places initiative. Led by a consortium including Energise Me, Folio, The Handy Trust, New Forest District Council, and the National Park Authority, it aims to increase cultural engagement in underserved areas. Since 2022, it has reached over 45,000 residents through workshops, exhibitions, and creative clubs, co-designed with local communities to reflect their interests and needs.

Forest Forge, based in Ringwood, Hampshire, uses theatre and theatre-making to find and celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary. Based in the New Forest, our work across touring productions, participation and artist development helps make and build connections between people, spark joy, and encourages personal shifts in perspective and experience.

African Activities CIC offers the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of Black and African cultures through superb, creative artistic experiences. Our work disrupts preconceptions, creates community, drives excellence and breaks barriers. Rooted in pre-colonial traditions, our workshops include drumming, dance, storytelling, Adinkra, beadwork, and mask-making. Led by culturally grounded artists, we bring living heritage to life across schools, communities and festivals. Based in the New Forest, we are a leading Black-led organisation championing African arts across Hampshire and beyond.