BTB25 Participation Programme

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Continuous
fundraising

BTB25’s participation programme celebrates the shared textile heritage of Lancashire’s communities, through creative learning activities designed to foster creativity, inclusivity & connection.

£54,638 Raised of £53,822

65 Backers

101%

Back this project

This project has reached its fundraising target. It has also activated Continuous Fundraising, which means you can still donate and support the project.

Our Delivery Report

Funded on 24 April 2025 | Delivered on 02 November 2025

£54,638

RAISED

65

BACKERS

83

DAYS TO FUND

BIGGEST PLEDGE

Largest pledge from Anonymous

£24,960

From Anonymous

£10

MOST POPULAR PLEDGE AMOUNT

£16,000

DONATED

By Arts Council England - Contribution from our National Portfolio Organisation funding

Cotton Industry War Memorial Trust donated £5,000

£8,000

DONATED

By Lancashire County Council

45 Hours volunteering opportunities

40 Hours of training provided

89 Volunteers involved

Project Image

Exhibitions created

32 Exhibitions created

Artworks created

47 Artworks created

More about our impact

The environment

Our programme highlighted issues of environmental damage created by the over consumption and production of textiles and the use of toxic and environmentally damaging processes in their making. It also highlighted new innovations that are trying to combat that impact using ancient and traditional making techniques from all over the world, which work in harmony with the planet.

The local economy

We attracted over 150,000 visits to local venues for our overall BTB programme, which spanned 19 venues across 7 local authority areas in the County.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We recruited 89 volunteers who all received training and development support as part of our programme.

Arts, culture & heritage

We delivered a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, in the places that were created by it. And created opportunities for people to develop new creative skills and learn about their local heritage through a range of practical workshops and events.

Activity, health and leisure

Mental Health benefits were reported anecdotally by volunteers and workshop participants.

http://www.britishtextilebiennial.co.uk

British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a dynamic and impactful cultural organisation working across Lancashire. BTB serves as a catalyst for creative expression, community engagement, and cultural exchange, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of the area and the communities within it. Through our work we commission local, national and international artists to create and present work in public spaces, galleries, and historic buildings across Lancashire. Our festival is complemented by a year-round program of research, residencies, and community engagement projects.

BTB plays a crucial role in place-making, supporting the area as a vibrant place to live, work, study, and visit. Through sustained engagement with artists and communities, BTB creates ambitious work that garner international attention while also empowering local people with new skills, confidence, improved well-being and social connection.

The success of BTB is rooted in its collaborative approach, reaching diverse communities; co-creating the programme and driving cultural and social change. The use of textile industry infrastructure as context and venue ensures accessibility and familiarity, leading to a high volume and diversity of audiences, participants and volunteers.

BTB25 Participation Programme

The BTB Participation Programme reflects our belief that everyone deserves access to creativity, heritage, and the transformative power of the arts. This initiative gives local people hands-on opportunities to engage with their region’s rich textile history through workshops, talks, tours, and volunteering, while nurturing creativity and inclusivity.

We know this project has a big impact, it provides an avenue for skills development, confidence-building, and meaningful connections. The BTB25 themes of Invention and Innovation explore textiles in contemporary contexts, sparking curiosity and pride.

We are dedicated to removing barriers—economic, cultural, or communicative—ensuring everyone can take part. By working collaboratively with artists, educators, and volunteers, the programme creates a space for people to connect with each other and their environment in meaningful ways.

The pride and joy we see in participants, from young learners discovering creativity to volunteers rebuilding their confidence, fuels our commitment to this work. We know that the BTB Participation Programme has the power to transform lives and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.

Project Owner: British Textile Biennial The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.