The Co-Lab Network Awards 2026 will fund four new cross-sector cultural policy networks, one in each of the three devolved nations and one in a devolved region of England to create new capacity for cross-sector collaborative exchange of policy ideas on culture and devolution (regional and national).
The Awards aim to build capacity and catalyse confidence in policy making for cross-sector partners working with HEIs and IROs to deliver culture in a context of devolution.
Networks can operate digitally, in person and/or hybrid and must demonstrate reach and inclusive engagement between HEI/IROs and at least three other non-academic partners.
The Co-Lab Policy Network Awards build on key learning from the 2024 UK-wide Creative Communities Policy Labs.
Chair of UK Mayors and Mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority Tracy Brabin said:
The work of AHRC Creative Communities shows that devolving powers over culture and the creative industries drives greater economic growth. By drawing on a nation or region’s unique cultural heritage and investing in its homegrown talent, we will build vibrant communities, attract tourism and investment, and create good jobs across the UK.
That’s why the Northern Mayors have come together to launch One Creative North – a groundbreaking pan-regional strategy for growing and harnessing our creative industries, to put the North of England back on the global stage, drive inward investment, and put more money in people’s pockets.
Prof Christopher Smith, Exec Chair AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) added that:
The AHRC Creative Communities research programme is a key intervention in addressing regional inequality, delivering devolution, and breaking down barriers to opportunity for communities.
The new Creative Communities devolution and culture policy papers offer co-created solutions for funding community infrastructure, improving frameworks for civic engagement and developing low-administration grants for grassroots organisations.
Everyone everywhere should have the opportunity to engage in culture at a local level. Culture is the bedrock of a thriving community, fostering pride and resilience and contributing to prosperity and better health outcomes.
Prof Katy Shaw, Director AHRC UK Creative Communities added:
Creative Communities are the backbone of innovation – they bring together diverse voices, foster cocreation, and spark the ideas that shape culture and drive progress.
Our new Co-Lab Network Awards aim to give cross-sector partners and communities time and space to consider the role of devolution in supercharging culture and delivering the UK Government Missions across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and devolved mayoral authorities in England.
Creative Communities thrive when ideas are shared freely, collaboration is celebrated, and imagination becomes a collective force for change. Our new Devolution Policy Provocation Papers and interactive Creative Communities Toolkit aim to empower everyone to take part in collaborative inquiry, diversify R&D and generate innovative knowledge and cultural development in devolved settings across the UK.
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