On Friday 27 February, we hosted the first Powerhouse Generator: Pitch at the Daimler Powerhouse.
The Powerhouse Generator programme was designed to make funding more accessible, transparent and human – opening up the commissioning process and placing decision-making in the room.
Following an open call to our local community, six applicants were shortlisted to pitch live:
- Fareed Siddiqui – Impact Steel Drums
- Ann Middleton – Menopause Makes
- Zoë Taal – Movement and Mental Health – Deleata Z
- Jessica Harper – Little Gigs
- Toni Peach – Arts Cafe – Priory Visitor Centre
- Daniel Ray-Richings – MP34 Studios
Each shared creative and community-led idea rooted in passion and local impact. At the end of the evening, every audience member cast a vote.
We’re delighted to announce that the £1,500 micro-commission was awarded to Zoë Taal/ Deleata Z for her project exploring the link between movement and mental health through an inclusive aerial hoop programme designed for those who feel excluded from traditional fitness spaces.
In addition, the generosity of the audience saw a further £200 donated on the night, which will be shared between the other pitching projects alongside bespoke in-kind support packages from Imagineer.
The evening was a powerful reminder of the depth of creativity and commitment within our community.
A huge thank you to all our pitchers, applicants, attendees, and supporters who made this possible.
This was the first Powerhouse Generator – and we hope it will be the first of many.
Photos by Andrew Moore