Groundswell Arts
Groundswell Arts is a London-based UK charity that designs and delivers free creative-arts programmes for children aged 0-11, families, and educators through seven core offerings including songwriting, dance, digital literacy, and SEND-inclusive sensory workshops, funded primarily by Arts Council England and other institutional grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersLondon, England, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Groundswell Arts does
Groundswell Arts is a UK-registered charity (No. 1198895) headquartered in London that designs and delivers free creative-arts programmes for children aged 0-11, families, schools, and educators. Operating as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, it runs a portfolio of seven core programmes: Sing Our Story (flagship personalised songwriting, having reached 3,000+ children and families), Dancing Together (community dance and movement), Story Lab (green-screen and animation-based digital literacy), Light Box (interactive STEAM light installation), Communication Pod (multi-sensory canvas dome for speech and language development), Invention Lab (KS2 science through Rube Goldberg-style contraptions), and Inclusive Creative Workshops (SEND-focused sensory programmes). Underlying assets are physical installations (Communication Pod, Light Box), documented facilitation methodologies, and impact evidence including 76% communication-skill gains in Communication Pod sessions.
Revenue is generated almost entirely through grants from Arts Council England, the National Lottery, Youth Music, John Lyons Charity, CityBridge Foundation, London Marathon Foundation, and Rayne Foundation, supplemented by commissioned work from cultural and educational institutions (notably V&A South Kensington, London Museum, and Tate Modern) and voluntary donations. Go-to-market is community-led and partnership-driven: programmes are delivered directly in schools, family hubs, museums, galleries, and community settings across London boroughs, with national reach via the Youth Music Energiser Fund learning community (2024-2027) and partners including Take Art, CPotential, and Cocoon CIC. The organisation employs 13 staff and is led by Artistic Director Angeline Conaghan.
Groundswell Arts firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Groundswell Arts
- Legal name
- Groundswell Arts
- Website
- https://groundswellarts.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Groundswell Arts is a London-based UK charity that designs and delivers free creative-arts programmes for children aged 0-11, families, and educators through seven core offerings including songwriting, dance, digital literacy, and SEND-inclusive sensory workshops, funded primarily by Arts Council England and other institutional grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Groundswell Arts industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Arts and Creative Education Services
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Fine Arts Schools (611610)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE), Family Engagement & Take-Home Learning Materials (Home Packs, Parent Guides) (EDACAJAL), Performing Arts Camps (Theater, Musical Theater, Dance) (EDAMALAI), Arts & Design Camps (Visual Arts, Crafts, Design Thinking) (EDAMALAH)
Keywords
Where Groundswell Arts is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London, England
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Groundswell Arts business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Charitable Grants and Funding: As a registered charity (No. 1198895 in England and Wales), Groundswell Arts operates primarily through grant funding from arts councils, foundations, and government programmes. Major funders include Arts Council England, National Lottery, Youth Music, and various charitable foundations.
- Commissioned Work: The organisation receives commissions from schools, cultural venues, local authorities, and other partners to design and deliver bespoke creative programmes and training. Commissions include developing monthly programmes for neurodiverse families at the V&A and training packages for educational settings.
- Donations: Individual donations support the charity's work. Suggested donation tiers include £20 per child for Story Lab participation, £100 for a bespoke song for a child, and £1000 for a series of workshops and training in a school.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free creative programmes for children and families |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Donation tiers for supporters |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Groundswell Arts product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Groundswell Arts is a registered charity that designs and delivers free creative arts programmes for children (ages 0-11), families, and educators. Core offerings include flagship songwriting (Sing Our Story), digital storytelling and animation (Story Lab), sensory STEAM installations (Light Box, Communication Pod), creative science learning (Invention Lab), community dance (Dancing Together), and inclusive workshops for disabled children. Programmes are delivered at no cost through partnerships with schools, museums, family hubs, and local authorities.
Product overview
Groundswell Arts is a charitable organization offering a portfolio of creative arts programmes for children, families, schools, and educators. The core offerings include Sing Our Story (flagship songwriting programme), Story Lab (digital literacy through green-screen and animation), Light Box (interactive STEAM light installation), Communication Pod (multi-sensory dome for communication development), Invention Lab (science learning through Rube Goldberg-style contraptions), Dancing Together (community dance for families), and Inclusive Creative Workshops (accessibility-focused sensory programmes). These programmes are complemented by Creative Projects and Sessions, Theatrical Environments, and Artist and Educator Development training services. All offerings are designed to be free, inclusive, and accessible across early years, primary, and special needs settings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sing Our Story: Flagship songwriting programme designed to support children's wellbeing through personalised song-writing, working with children and families to co-write and create songs.
- Dancing Together
- Story Lab
- Light Box
- Communication Pod
- Invention Lab
Products and services
- Sing Our Story Flagship co-creation songwriting programme that works with children and families to write and create personalised songs based on the child's unique story, interests, and identity, supporting children's wellbeing, confidence, and family relationships.
- Dancing Together Community dance programme supporting social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of families through creative movement sessions for mothers, babies, toddlers and their adult carers, with documented outcomes of decreased anxiety and loneliness.
- Story Lab Digital literacy and creative storytelling project for children aged 2-11 that blends animation, green-screen technology, art, and drama, supporting EYFS and primary curriculum goals and helping teachers embed digital storytelling into classroom practice.
- Light Box Interactive STEAM project exploring light, shadow, shadow puppetry, colour, reflection, and projection in a dedicated immersive space, supporting early science learning, communication, wellbeing, problem solving, and imaginative storytelling.
- Communication Pod Immersive mobile canvas dome filled with displays, drawers, and hidden surprises designed to support speech, language, and communication skills in early years through multi-sensory exploration and storytelling.
- Invention Lab Immersive child-led learning programme combining a visiting circus show with interactive science workshops, using theatrical storytelling, hands-on design, and creative problem solving inspired by Rube Goldberg and Heath Robinson machines to enhance KS2 science curriculum.
- Inclusive Creative Workshops Sessions designed for disabled children and young people and their families, partnering with galleries, museums, family hubs, schools, and early years settings to deliver bespoke interdisciplinary sensory programmes and multi-sensory experiences.
- Creative Projects and Sessions Range of free, creative and inclusive programmes for children and families including dance, music, animation, puppetry, and visual arts.
- Theatrical Environments Range of immersive and theatrical experiences, projects, and shows which transform environments and engage learning through imagination, sensory exploration, and play.
- Artist and Educator Development Training and professional development offers and opportunities for teachers, early years educators, and arts practitioners, including mentoring and the Youth Music Energiser Fund learning community.
Quantifiable outcome
- Closer relationship between families and school or early years setting as a result of taking part in Sing Our Story
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use Groundswell Arts
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Groundswell Arts technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Groundswell Arts partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- Youth MusiccoreFrom 2024-2027, Groundswell Arts is working with Youth Music as learning partner curating and developing a bespoke learning programme as part of their Energiser Fund, a three-year fund which supports the creativity of 2-4 year olds. Working with 11 organisations delivering early years projects around the country.
- V&A South KensingtoncoreDesigned and delivered monthly Sensory Design and Draw with Light programme at V&A South Kensington for neurodiverse children and families, attended by 200 children and families over 18 months. Also delivered light-based workshops and provided training resources.
- CPotentialcoreHaringey-based charity working with children with cerebral palsy and movement disabilities. Partnered to design and deliver a year-long monthly weekend programme for disabled children and their families.
- A New DirectioncoreCommissioned work developing creative programmes for neurodiverse children. Also partnered for Light Box installation at I am Festival for young disabled people at Tate Modern.
- Bristol Old VicsecondaryHosted Energiser Fund learning community event at Bristol Old Vic featuring workshops from Made With Music and Bristol Old Vic, with presentation from Dr. Adesola Akinleye on decolonising research practices.
- Made With MusicsecondaryDisability-led organisation and Energiser Fund partner whose inspiring practice with disabled children and their families was explored through a practical workshop at Bristol Old Vic.
- Cocoon CICsecondaryEnergiser Fund learning community partner that showcased their pedagogical approach at the Corby event, giving time for play, reflection, and exploration of materials such as musical instruments and clay.
- Take ArtsecondaryEarly years arts organisation and Energiser Fund partner that showcased their pedagogical approach at the Corby event. New partnership established in South West of England for Sing Our Story delivery.
- Pen GreencoreLeading early years research and practice centre where Artistic Director Angele Conaghan completed a master's degree. Hosts Energiser Fund learning community events; inspiring place with strong legacy of supporting high quality engagement with children and families.
- Dr. Adesola AkinleyeminorDance artist and researcher who shared presentation on decolonising research practices with children called 'Making Friends with Research' at Energiser Fund event at Bristol Old Vic.
- Rachna JoshiminorEarly years practitioner and Froebel consultant who connected the learning community online, sharing inspiring practice on how children develop identity through relationships and cultural competency themes.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Groundswell Arts competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Discover Children's Story Centre: Stratford-based immersive early years and family storytelling centre blending animation, digital media and creative play. Direct peer in combining immersive installations (like Groundswell's Light Box and Communication Pod) with storytelling for0-11 year olds.
- Half Moon Theatre: East London young people's theatre producing theatre for under-5s and school-age children, with strong early years and disability-inclusion programmes. Comparable to Groundswell's inclusive creative workshops and Theatre for Very Young People practice.
- Polka Theatre: Dedicated children's theatre in south-west London delivering creative programmes, workshops and performances for 0-11 year olds and their families. Closely aligned with Groundswell's early-years creative arts mission and education-partnership model.
- Little Angel Theatre: London-based children's theatre specialising in puppetry and creative participatory work for young audiences. Directly comparable to Groundswell's puppetry, storytelling and theatrical-environments programming for children and families.
- Unicorn Theatre: London's leading children's theatre producing work for young audiences (0-13) with extensive education and community participation programmes. Comparable in mission, audience and inclusive creative practice to Groundswell.
Broad incumbents
- Southbank Centre: Major London arts centre with extensive family, early years and education programming including family festivals and creative learning. Comparable as a venue-based delivery channel for the kind of inclusive family workshops Groundswell delivers.
- A New Direction: London-based non-profit championing creative practice for children and young people, commissioning artists and producing research. Overlaps with Groundswell's mission and is also an existing commissioner/partner of Groundswell programmes.
Emerging players
- Ministry of Stories: East London charity supporting children and young people's writing and creativity through mentoring and imaginative workshops. Adjacent peer in using creative practice for children's communication, confidence and literacy outcomes.
- Punchdrunk Enrichment: Not-for-profit arm of Punchdrunk delivering immersive, participatory theatre and creative learning projects for children and young people. Comparable to Groundswell's Theatrical Environments offering and co-creation methodology.
Regional players
- Take Art: South West England early years arts organisation delivering creative programmes for under-5s. Already an Energiser Fund learning community partner of Groundswell; comparable in mission (early years creative arts) but operating primarily in a different UK region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Groundswell Arts social profiles
Digital presenceGroundswell Arts financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Groundswell Arts leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Groundswell Arts funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Groundswell Arts M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Groundswell Arts
What does Groundswell Arts do?
Groundswell Arts is a registered charity that designs and delivers free creative arts programmes for children (ages 0-11), families, and educators. Core offerings include flagship songwriting (Sing Our Story), digital storytelling and animation (Story Lab), sensory STEAM installations (Light Box, Communication Pod), creative science learning (Invention Lab), community dance (Dancing Together), and inclusive workshops for disabled children. Programmes are delivered at no cost through partnerships with schools, museums, family hubs, and local authorities.
Is Groundswell Arts a public or private company?
Groundswell Arts is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Groundswell Arts founded?
Groundswell Arts was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Groundswell Arts based?
Groundswell Arts is headquartered in London, England, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Groundswell Arts make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Charitable Grants and Funding is the primary driver. The others are commissioned Work and donations.
Who are Groundswell Arts's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Discover Children's Story Centre, Half Moon Theatre, Polka Theatre, Little Angel Theatre and Unicorn Theatre. Broad incumbents are Southbank Centre and A New Direction. Emerging players are Ministry of Stories and Punchdrunk Enrichment. Take Art is listed as a regional player.
Does Groundswell Arts have an API?
No public API is recorded for Groundswell Arts.
What industry is Groundswell Arts in?
Groundswell Arts's product category is Community Arts and Creative Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAHAC, Arts Education & Community Arts Programs, with a secondary code of MPAGABAE, Children’s & Youth Theatre. Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 7900.