Arts and culture

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 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

Blogs & conversations A Lifetime in Paper and Cloth

Forty years on, my Churchill Fellowship to Japan to study traditional handmade paper still shapes how I think, create, and teach. It sparked a lifelong journey exploring paper, place and identity – one that continues to evolve as I balance creativity with care, and remain rooted in community and resilience.

By Cas Holmes, 2025

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