
the Arts & Culture Sector
Plus Those Who Deliver Arts & Culture

& Creative Practitioners
About us
Somerset is defined by its arts & culture sector: Our cultural organisations, artists, musicians, performers & proud history of creative expression are a crucial part of our identity, vitality, wellbeing, economic & community growth.
As a membership & service organisation working on behalf of this sector, we believe in supporting the growth of arts and culture organisations, communities & their audiences.
Andrew Knutt
Chair & Director


What we do
Support, Strategies & Representation
We are the Somerset trade organisation for the arts & culture sector supporting community groups, practitioners & businesses.
Arts & Culture Enterprise Development
Access our skills to maximise commercial income or community impact in the arts, culture & heritage world, through digital and physical events and training and workshops to help build your ideas and projects.
Representing & Advocacy
Our team makes sure that the arts & culture sector is represented at local authority and governmental level to ensure financial and strategic investment opportunities come into Somerset and to our local arts and culture providers.
Our Values
Vibrant Arts & Culture
Our key aim is to make Somerset a vibrant place of arts and culture. To invite the nation and its people to experience this arts and culture which in return uplifts economic growth, communities and indivduals.
A Case for Arts & Culture
We support the case for arts and culture investment from both private and public perspectives. To be the voice of the people and regularly canvas them to help deliver democratic evidence for investment.
Partnerships & Links
To develop strong partnership to help deliver diverse cultural activity, bringing communities and consumers together for great cultural experiences, health and wellbeing, tourism and great entertainment for all.
Somerset Arts & Culture Facts
0
0
0
0
Why Choose us
Love for arts & culture
We are passionate about the arts and culture sector. From arts, music, theatre, dance and more. You won't find a more supportive organisation who understands the sector.
Communities & pro's
Not only do we consider the subsidised cultural sector but also the commercial, amateur and participatory which, after all, are where most people find their cultural engagement.
Industry experience
Our team and board proactively work in the arts and culture sector and offer over 100 years of combined experience in the creative industries.
Largest network
We are the biggest multi-creative county wide network setup to support the growth & prosperity of the arts, culture & creative industries.
Mapping Somerset
Our county wide mapping programme, supported by all Somerset local authorities, is designed to paint a picture of the creative sector and how it contributes to those who live, work and play in the county. Help us by simply signing up for free as a member and get a free profile page on our website.
Latest News, Blog & Events
-
Place Matters Report Sees Most LEPs In England Prioritising Creative Industries
A report commissioned by industry members of the Creative Industries Council (CIC) from Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy has analysed how local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in England treat supporting the creative industries as a priority. To boost the growth of place-based creative industries which impact on the local and national economy as well
June 29, 2022 Read more -
New funding to help spur more global success for UK’s independent film, TV and video games
The Government is confirming its UK Global Screen Fund will be extended for three years with additional funding of £21 million, which will support the industry to continue growing the economy and providing high wage, high skilled jobs for people in the UK. This follows a successful £7 million trial, which supported more than 65
June 22, 2022 Read more -
Creative Places – Supporting Your Local Creative Economy
As the UK faces the challenges of the 21st century, creativity has a role to play in shaping our response to climate change, globalisation and technological innovation – and in enabling the economy and society to ‘bounce forwards’ from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This document is designed to help councils understand the creative
June 22, 2022 Read more -
Taunton Venue Petition Reaches More People
For over 6 years SABCA has been petitioning local people with the aim of bringing back a large venue for arts and culture use and other activities…
April 5, 2022 Read more
What People Think About SABCA
I have been involved in many of SABCA’s events and cannot think of a better organisation to support the arts and culture sector in Somerset. It goes from strength to strength. The vast knowledge and business support that I have seen practiced in both digital and physical environments are second to none. It is one of the most essential sector support groups in Somerset as we have a lot of arts, culture and creativity here and I support all their work now and in the future.
As a organiser of several music events & clubs in Somerset we have had the privilege of getting support from SABCA. The updated regular resources and links to further funding and knowing what’s going on in the industry has helped us considerably & it has been great to belong to a network that has the business of arts and culture at the heart of what they do. This mapping and directory is just one way they are helping to secure a future for Somerset’s arts & culture.
The tireless and long-established work by SABCA needs to survive and flourish, being a necessary central co-ordination and powerful voice of arts and culture in Somerset. This sector has consistently been overlooked, yet its economic importance has become exceptionally clear in the current Covid crisis. The visitor economy in Somerset is worth £1.3bn and the creative sector is an integral part of this, with associated employment highly significant.
