SPUD strategy 2025-28

About Us

SPUD is a charity focused on arts, architecture, and education committed to creating experiences that foster confidence, support career development and strengthen communities.

 

Our approach is collaborative, meaningful and ambitious. We champion the voices of individuals and underrepresented groups, ensuring they are heard within our communities and partnerships.

​

Driven by a focus on success, SPUD takes a professional approach to deliver impactful projects.

​

We empower people to create, connect, and share, recognizing that even small actions can spark lasting joy and positive change.

​

Who are we here for?

Inclusive and diverse audiences through participation in creative activities. Being inspirational and creating joy. In particular,

Young people looking to be involved in their community through a range of creative opportunities.

Older People through participation in creative activities, providing support,         friendship, confidence and building community.

 

Underrepresented Groups giving agency to hidden voices in our community and providing bespoke support.

 

Artists and Creative Professionals through collaboration, mentorship and professional development and business opportunity. Ensuring creatives feel empowered to take a lead on initiatives.

 

Partner Organisations promoting collaboration and being an instigator of opportunities.

 

Community and Place through placemaking, the rural and built environment and public consultation.

 

Our Team everyone matters including staff and volunteers.

 

We work in and around the New Forest as well as regionally, nationally and internationally.

​

What do we do?

• We help foster people’s sense of community, connection and well-being. 

• We support support people’s creative skills development, knowledge and understanding. 

• We are instigators of imagination.

• We create ambitious projects for community benefit with genuine engagement.

• We build close relationships with our communities.

• We demonstrate leadership and mentorship within the visual arts in the New Forest.

• We instigate and support collaborations with partners.

• We operate at the highest level of quality, both locally and internationally.

 

How do we do this?

We work at the intersection of art, architecture and design with a focus on people, place and community. 

 

• We seek to support well-being, health and the environment as part of contributing to sustainable communities and places.

• We support people to take the lead in creative work, so that it is their ideas, their voice and aspirations that are realised.

• We develop skills, passions and contribute to improving equality, diversity and inclusion in art and architecture. So that access to creative skills development and careers is not exclusive.

• We act as a bridge and stepping stone for individuals and community groups to develop skills, confidence and opportunities.

• We utilise the knowledge, imagination, skills and networks of other partners to develop work collaboratively

• We bring our energy, enthusiasm and a belief in collaboration to the work we undertake.

• We share our knowledge and resources with a wider audience through collaborative learning and programmes nationally and internationally.

 

Our Strategic Aims:

1. Deliver collaborative, creative projects where communities take the lead.

2. Provide space, support and opportunities for artists and other creative professionals to develop their practice and business opportunities. 

3. Develop projects focusing on place, environment and well-being

4. Generate self-funded income to support our core work.

5. Secure grants to support research, development and projects.

6. Secure strategic funding (e.g. NPO status) that provides long-term stability and growth for the organisation.

​

Adopted December 2024