Surrey is often seen as uniformly affluent, masking hidden pockets of poverty in towns and villages typically associated with prosperity and high living standards. This is recognised in Surrey Cultural Partnership’s strategy "Despite its reputation for affluence and privilege, there are areas of deprivation, marginalisation, disenfranchisement and disconnection across the whole of Surrey." In these communities, arts, heritage, and the profound benefits from engaging in them remain out of reach.

We will work with local partners to enable vulnerable people and communities across Surrey, who are least likely to access the arts, to participate in high-quality creative programmes at Watts Gallery. By removing barriers to participation and creating welcoming, inclusive opportunities, we help people build confidence, improve wellbeing and connect with others through creativity. This work is increasingly important as financial pressures reduce access to arts and community services.