What happens when you back great ideas with practical support, a room full of encouragement and a little bit of funding?

Earlier this year, Powerhouse Generator brought together local people with bold creative and community ideas for an evening of pitching, music and collective support at The Daimler Powerhouse. The event saw Coventry audiences hear directly from a range of inspiring projects before voting to award a paid micro-commission to one standout idea.

The winning pitch came from Zoë of Deleata Z, whose vision for accessible and inclusive aerial activity clearly captured the imagination of the room. But the story didn’t end there.

Since Generator, we’ve continued working closely with Zoë and Deleata Z to develop and launch a brand-new programme of inclusive aerial hoop and movement workshops at The Powerhouse. The programme now includes opportunities for neurodivergent young people and adults, over-50s, and parents and children to explore movement, creativity and confidence-building in welcoming, supportive environments.

And that’s exactly what Generator is all about.

While one project receives a micro-commission, every shortlisted participant receives tailored support designed to help turn ideas into reality. This year we also worked with a number of applicants who didn’t make the final shortlist, helping them access advice, connections and opportunities to develop their ideas further. From emerging creative projects to community initiatives, Generator has become a catalyst for collaboration, confidence and action.

Now we’re ready to do it all again.

Powerhouse Generator returns this winter, inviting local residents, creatives, community organisers, entrepreneurs and changemakers to bring forward ideas that could make Coventry an even more imaginative, connected and vibrant place to live.

Whether your idea is creative, cultural, social or community-focused, Generator is here to help you develop it. You’ll have access to inspiration, practical guidance, peer support and the chance to pitch for a paid micro-commission in front of a live audience.

If Zoë’s story proves anything, it’s that a single idea can grow into something much bigger when the right support is behind it.

Got an idea that could make a difference in your community? Start dreaming, planning and developing it now. Applications for the next Generator open in December, giving you plenty of time to turn a spark of an idea into something pitch-ready.

Photo by Gemma-Louise Sharman