We are Story Tellers

Celebrating our heritage through cultural activity

In April 2023 South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership were awarded Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation status for the first time - securing £1,955,799 to support art, culture and creativity across the Partnership for the period 2023-2026. 

Our ambition is to…

  • Shout about our internationally important heritage stories

  • Report on local lives and tales

  • Give a voice to young people

  • Have conversations with our communities 

  • Collaborate and communicate with local practitioners

The project is focused on celebrating our heritage through cultural activity and activating three Cultural Hub sites at The Guildhall in Boston, Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens in South Holland and The Seaview Colonnade, Sutton on Sea and fund a programme of art and culture centred on the rich heritage and stories from each district.  

The Partnership has its own Cultural Framework, covering Boston Borough, East Lindsey and South Holland.

Story Tellers is a really exciting celebration to be a part of, as it is the first local authority run National Portfolio Organisation that trials partnership working across three local authority areas for delivery. 

You can read more about the South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership here. 

Two women discussing a large, handmade paper butterfly lantern in a craft room with other people working on similar projects in the background.

Story Tellers five project strands

Story Tellers brings together those already engaged in the culture and heritage of our area, as well as reaching new audiences.

Funding has been allocated to projects chosen to inspire communities to explore, showcase and celebrate their stories, place and culture through creativity.

These projects all sit under our five project strands.

  • Using digital technology to create immersive commissions to re-ignite our heritage assets and tell the stories they hold.

  • A 21st Century Digital Assets Collecting Programme, to share the significant stories of our past as well as capturing the stories from today that are important to our communities.

  • Introducing stronger cultural programming to our Creative Hub sites and in each district, encouraging touring programmes and developing visitor experiences.

  • Programming a series of opportunities for sector development and growing local talent in our partnership area.

  • Developing our Culture Board to collectively work in partnership to compliment and support wider programmes and delivering an annual Cultural Conference to encourage collaboration across South and East Lincolnshire.

Our culture hub sites

  • A medieval-style brick church with a steep roof and arched windows, surrounded by a black wrought iron fence, on a sunny day with a clear blue sky.

    Boston Guildhall

    Boston Guildhall is one of the town’s most important buildings. Dating all the way back to the 1390s, it was built for the Guild of St Mary at a time when Boston was one of England’s most powerful ports.

    Learn more
  • Night view of a historical building with Gothic architectural details, illuminated from inside, with several people standing outside, some near a small table, and a large tree in the foreground.

    Ayscoughfee Hall & Gardens

    Dating back to the mid-15th century, Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens is a Grade I listed building and has evolved over hundreds of years, reflecting changes in domestic life and local society.

    Learn more
  • A modern two-story commercial building with large glass windows on the upper floor and patio seating on the lower level. Signs for Seven Districts Coffee and Seaview are visible on the building. Several people are walking on the patio, and the surrounding area includes some greenery and an overcast sky.

    Seaview Colonnade

    The Seaview Colonnade is a newly constructed cultural and community landmark in the heart of Sutton on Sea. The venue plays a starring role as one of the hub sites for our Story Tellers NPO project.

    Learn more