Arts and culture

Our Arts and Culture team is here to support a vibrant and inclusive arts, culture, and heritage scene across the borough. We work to create an environment where creativity can thrive by:

• Inspiring, supporting, and connecting our communities and cultural organisations
• Offering innovative programmes and creative opportunities
• Partnering with a wide range of local and countywide groups
• Supporting cultural organisations and individuals with advice
• Promoting events and opportunities across the borough on our events page.

The Old Town Hall 

The Old Town Hall in High Street, Hemel Hempstead, is a Council-run venue offering high-quality entertainment for all ages, including:

• films
• art exhibitions
• music
• theatre
• comedy
• family performances
• workshops, classes, and events.

It is also available to hire.

Arts and Culture Strategy 2025-2030

We’re developing a new five-year strategy to place culture and creativity at the heart of Dacorum’s social and economic future. Shaped by community input, this plan will support arts, culture, and heritage while aligning with wider council priorities.

Dacorum Creative Showcase 2025: 24 May to 29 June 

Celebrate the best of local arts, culture, and heritage. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this exciting showcase brings together organisations from across Dacorum for a packed programme of events and activities for all to enjoy. It’s also a great opportunity for local creative groups to share their work with the community. Find out more on our Dacorum Creative Showcase page.

Equal Voices Herts (anti-racism in arts and wellbeing)

Equal Voices Herts is a Dacorum-based group that promotes inclusion and diversity in the arts. It wants to create a fairer cultural space where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.

The group was formed through local partnerships and community input. It works with us to make sure inclusion, belonging, and representation are at the heart of arts and wellbeing projects.

Funding and grants

• Community Grants - Up to £4,000 for local groups and voluntary organisations to support community projects and improve resident wellbeing.
• Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants - Funding from £1,000 to £100,000 for arts, libraries and museum projects.
• Visit the Arts Council website for more funding opportunities. 

Support and advice

• Community Action Dacorum - Offers support for charities and non-profits in Dacorum and the surrounding area. Includes help with fundraising, training and development, events, and building partnerships.
• Creative Hertfordshire - An online platform for creatives to share work, promote events, and connect with others in the county.
• Hertfordshire Cultural Education Partnership - Connects education providers, cultural organisations, councils and youth services across Hertfordshire to give young people access to great cultural experiences.

Contact us

Email our Arts and Culture team: culture@dacorum.gov.uk.