Johnathan Branson

 MEND Fund 

Year: 2022–2025

Organisation
Warwick District Council / Arts Council England

My Role
Contributor to bid development and supporting officer

Summary
Working closely with colleagues at Warwick District Council, I contributed to the successful multi-million-pound bid to Arts Council England’s MEND programme. The funding supports essential capital repairs to the Royal Pump Rooms roof, a major cultural and heritage asset.

Key Outcomes

• Multi-million-pound award secured from ACE MEND.

• Funding supports urgent roof repairs and infrastructure resilience.

• Protects an important heritage and cultural venue for future generations.

Why It Mattered
MEND funding addressed critical maintenance needs beyond the scope of routine budgets, ensuring the longevity of a landmark cultural building.

Links
MEND Fund

 Compact Fund 

Year: 2023

Organisation
Warwick District Creative Compact / Arts Council England

My Role
Bid writer and Compact Manager

Summary
I secured Arts Council England Compact funding to extend the Warwick District Creative Compact for an additional 12 months. The bid drew on recommendations developed with sector partners to strengthen collaboration, expand activity and maximise the impact of this cross-sector initiative.

Key Outcomes

• Funding secured to continue the Creative Compact for a further year.

• Progress made on priority workstreams and partnership approaches.

• Strengthened support for creative, cultural and visitor economies.
  
  

Why It Mattered
This investment ensured continuity for a strategic cross-sector group driving long-term collaboration, leadership and growth in the district’s creative industries.

Links
Warwick District Creative Compact

 Culture Development Fund 

Year: 2021

Organisation
Warwickshire County Council / Warwick District Council / CWLEP / Complex Projects Development

My Role
Expression of Interest lead author (collaborative)

Summary
I co-developed an expression of interest to the Culture Development Fund proposing a major programme to accelerate growth in the Leamington Creative Quarter. The proposal included capital projects, workspace infrastructure, digital investment and enterprise development.

Proposed Key Outcomes

• Designer-maker space proposed for redevelopment of a derelict school.

• Affordable shipping-container studio complex included.

• Outdoor events space and soundproofing for community theatre planned.

• Investment for skills development, digital enterprise and creative technology.

• Fit-out proposals for two buildings to host a skills development organisation.

• Motion capture suite and tech library proposed for the Town Hall Creative Hub.

Why It Mattered
The proposal provided a strategic, place-based vision for accelerating creative cluster growth, improving infrastructure and supporting skills and enterprise across the district.

 Culture Recovery Fund 

Year: 2020

Organisation
Warwick District Council / HM Government / Arts Council England

My Role
Bid contributor (with Arts Manager)

Summary
Working with Warwick District’s Arts Manager, I helped secure £257,000 from the government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund to support the Royal Spa Centre and Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Outcomes

• £257,000 awarded to support venues through lockdown and recovery.

• Jobs protected and cultural services sustained during crisis conditions.

• Venues supported to reopen safely and retain public engagement.

Why It Mattered
The fund protected essential cultural infrastructure during an unprecedented crisis, safeguarding staff, programmes and public access.

 Future High Street Fund 

Year: 2020

Organisation
Warwick District Council / Government

My Role
Proposal author and ongoing project support

Summary
I produced the proposal to transform Leamington’s Town Hall into a Creative Hub as part of the Future High Streets Fund application. Following its success, I have continued to support delivery, contributing to the development of this new cultural, creative and enterprise-focused space.

Key Outcomes

• Successful bid submission to the Future High Streets Fund.

• Vision established for a Town Hall Creative Hub.

• Ongoing support for implementation and stakeholder coordination.

Why It Mattered
The Creative Hub will help reshape Leamington’s town centre, provide new support for creative businesses and strengthen the district’s cultural infrastructure.

Links
Town Hall Creative Hub

 Warwick District Council: Change Programme Fund 

Year: 2025

Organisation
Warwick District Council – Change Programme (Invest to Save)

My Role
Bid author, commissioner and project lead

Summary
I secured internal Invest to Save funding through Warwick District Council’s Change Programme to commission a full feasibility study into the future management and operating model of the Royal Spa Centre. The work will enable the Council to appoint external consultants to review the venue’s finances, governance, programming and long-term sustainability, benchmarking it against comparable civic theatres.

Key Outcomes

• Invest to Save funding secured for a full feasibility study.

• Clear scope established covering finance, governance, operating models and sustainability.

• Strong officer and Portfolio Holder support for a structured, evidence-based review.

• Study will provide options for resilience, investment and efficiency.

Why It Mattered
This investment will equip the Council to make informed decisions about the Royal Spa Centre’s future, strengthening its viability and unlocking new opportunities for development.