The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) has welcomed confirmation from Arts Council England that its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status has been extended for a further year.
The extension provides continued public investment and stability, enabling the Trust to sustain and develop its work caring for William Shakespeare’s historic family homes and collections, while deepening engagement with local communities, learners, and visitors.
Rooted in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust stewards five historic houses associated with Shakespeare and his family, alongside internationally significant museum collections. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, the Trust plays a key role in delivering public value through culture, creativity, learning, and heritage.
Rachael North, Chief Executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said:
“We warmly welcome the extension of our National Portfolio Organisation status. This continued investment reflects Arts Council England’s confidence in our long-term vision and in the vital role that culture and creativity play in shaping our communities and delivering public value.
Rooted in Stratford-upon-Avon, we care for William Shakespeare’s historic family homes as shared heritage and living cultural assets. These places are not only of national and international significance, but welcoming spaces that invite curiosity, spark conversation, and help people feel a shared sense of belonging.
With the continued support of Arts Council England, we can deepen engagement with communities, remove barriers to participation, and sustain learning and creative activity that reflects the diversity of the people we serve—ensuring Shakespeare’s legacy remains living, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said:
“We’re really pleased to have been able to offer an extension year of funding for 2026/27 to National Portfolio Organisations.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust brings history to life for thousands of people in the Midlands, welcoming and inspiring both local and international visitors with history, ideas and creativity. Arts Council England are delighted to be able to support them in enabling people from all backgrounds to access, engage with, and find meaning in culture, creativity and shared heritage.”
ENDS
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