Arts and culture - The Churchill Fellowship
The Churchill Fellowship
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Arts and culture

About this theme

This theme covers all aspects of the arts, crafts and creative industries, including their social, cultural and economic aspects. It is one of the eight universal themes which form our grantmaking framework and allow us to address every aspect of society. Fellows’ stories

Blogs & conversations Beyond the Beat: Building the Architecture for Creative Communities

Dominic Heslop’s Churchill Fellowship explored the “cultural architecture” that allows creativity to thrive and communities to heal, taking him to Jamaica, Berlin, and Athens – each offering lessons in resilience, expression, and collective care. Back in Sheffield, Dominic is embedding these insights into his grassroots organisation Slambarz, combining artistry with structure to support young people, build community, and show how creativity can strengthen wellbeing and identity.

By Dominic Heslop, 2025

Blogs & conversations In conversation with Faith Yiminyi: Beyond the learning: a Churchill Fellowship’s lifelong influence

We spoke to Faith Yiminyi about her 2009 Churchill Fellowship, which took her to the United States to explore how dance companies could thrive and open opportunities for young people. At just 21, she set out to learn new styles, work with choreographers, and see how dance could build confidence and enrich communities. More than 15 years on, Faith reflects on how her Fellowship shaped her journey – from running her own dance school, to working in social care and cyber security, and now returning to dance as a board member of a community studio.

By Faith Yiminyi, 2025

Blogs & conversations Renegade Guides: the places we go, the stories we share

Writer, guide, and founder of Living London, Saira Niazi spent her Churchill Fellowship in the USA exploring how tours and storytelling can be more inclusive, ethical, and community-focused. Her travels took her through 41 neighbourhoods, 32 guided tours, and 36 interviews with “renegade guides,” organisers, and storytellers, culminating in the creation of the Renegade Guides Handbook. Since its launch, Saira has been sharing her findings widely and continues to lead tours, write, and collaborate with communities.

By Saira Niazi, 2025

Blogs & conversations In conversation with Antonia Charlton: How a Fellowship contributed to the televising of Parliament

We spoke to Churchill Fellow Antonia (Toni) Charlton about how her Fellowship helped pave the way for televising the House of Commons. Travelling to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, Toni explored how parliaments overseas managed live broadcasting. Just weeks after her return, Parliament voted to trial televised Commons debates – and Toni was appointed BBC project manager to make it happen. She reflects on how the Fellowship shaped her career and fuelled her ongoing passion for public service broadcasting.

By Antonia M J Charlton, 2025

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