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Stour Valley Arts to Shut Down After Arts Council England Funding Cuts

institutional · 2026-04-20

Stour Valley Arts, a UK non-profit organization established in 1994, will cease operations due to reduced financial support from Arts Council England. Based in Kent, the group focused on connecting artists with natural settings and secured a permanent exhibition space within King's Wood forest in 2011. Funding from the national body dropped from £120,000 in 2012–13 to £114,992 by 2014–15. Maggie Anwell, the institution's chair, expressed deep sadness over the closure, noting its leadership in environmental art and value to artists and audiences alike. The organization employed four staff members.

Key facts

  • Stour Valley Arts is closing
  • Founded in 1994
  • Based in Kent, UK
  • Focused on art and nature
  • Permanent exhibition in King's Wood forest since 2011
  • Arts Council England funding cut from £120,000 (2012–13) to £114,992 (2014–15)
  • Maggie Anwell is chair
  • Employed four staff

Entities

Artists

  • Maggie Anwell

Institutions

  • Stour Valley Arts
  • Arts Council England

Locations

  • Kent
  • United Kingdom
  • King's Wood forest

Sources