This large funding amount for this Arts project is all made possible thanks to National Lottery players where more than £30 million is raised every week for good causes across the UK. That funding helps keep art, music, and culture thriving in every community.
The musician and presenter’s surprise announcement took place at Stoke’s New Vic Theatre where residents and community leaders celebrated the good news and shared how Appetite’s inclusive, co-created projects have brought people together and transformed local spaces.
Funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, Appetite works with local communities to co-create vibrant cultural experiences, from large-scale outdoor festivals and immersive art installations to pop-up events in town centres, parks and markets.
During his visit, Stephens, 33, had the opportunity to experience one of the initiatives supported by Appetite by visiting Root ‘n’ Fruit, a Middleport Matters project. In addition, he met members of the Appetite team who have been responsible for devising an inspiring Taster Menu of Arts and organising a feast of family-friendly cultural events across the city.
National Lottery ambassador Stephens said: “Being able to see first-hand the incredible work that National Lottery funding supports, and to announce that Appetite had been granted £1,000,000 over three years by Arts Council England was truly an honour. Creativity, for me, isn’t just about careers or income; it’s about community, connection and joy. It’s a human expression and a right, and the amazing work of these organisations is only possible because of you – National Lottery players across the UK.”
Rachel Adams, Appetite Director, said: “We’re delighted Jordan Stephens surprised us with his visit to announce the National Lottery funding from Arts Council England. This support strengthens our commitment to nurturing the creative energy that defines our community. This investment enables us to maintain a dynamic third space where creativity flourishes, and people feel empowered to explore, grow, and share their stories.”
Appetite’s award is part of Arts Council England’s largest-ever Creative People and Places portfolio with £42 million flowing to 45 programmes across England from 2026-29—bringing the total investment since the programme began in 2012 to nearly £162 million and building on a legacy of over 15,000 activities that have sparked 19 million engagements.
The expanded portfolio, covering 63 local authority areas including 38 Arts Council England Priority Places, puts communities in the driver’s seat to create the cultural experiences they want, empowering local people to choose, develop and deliver grassroots arts projects that resonate with their lives.
Made possible by National Lottery players, this investment ensures that villages, towns and cities with arts participation below the national average can access vibrant cultural experiences in their local communtites
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “Thanks to National Lottery players this major new investment unlocks the creative power of neighbourhoods across England, giving people the chance to commission new work, to participate in creative acts and to experience the artistic excellence of professional creators, curators and performers. And best of all, it’s all happening right on their own doorsteps”.
The announcement also forms part of The National Lottery’s “Because of You” campaign, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, celebrating brilliant projects run by extraordinary people which continue to change lives every day.
More projects are set to be surprised across the community, heritage, arts and sport sectors across the next month ahead of The National Lottery’s 31st Birthday in November.
Since National Lottery funding began in 1994, more than 650,000 projects have been funded with over £50 billion raised by players through those distinctive pink tickets and Scratchcards.
