Overview
Arts and Culture Programme
We welcome applications from both individuals and Consultancy.
Contract: Outside IR35 / We welcome applications from both individuals and Consultancy.
Location: British Cycling are based in Manchester, with some requirement to visit the office; this contract can be fulfilled predominantly remotely / hybrid.
Programme context
British Cycling exists to bring the joy of cycling to everyone. We are modernising our commercial and events offering with a focus on social impact and storytelling, harnessing the spotlight of our athletes and our major events. Our strategy priorities are to support and grow the sport, lead on the world stage, and drive social impact by tackling inequalities through opportunities.
Background
In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femme, Avec Zwift. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – Grand Depart GB 2027 – will oversee delivery and manage public funding on behalf of DCMS, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport. The SPV is a Joint Venture between UKEL and British Cycling. British Cycling will deliver the operational and business function, social impact and volunteer programmes, along with all consumer-facing functions, on behalf of partners.
The Programme
A dedicated social impact programme, JOY, is being developed to deliver lasting impact beyond 2027, focusing on health and wellbeing, skills development and community connection. Six UK-wide programmes will be rolled out across 2026-27, with Arts and Culture as one core strand. The Arts and Culture Programme will embed communities into the Tour, celebrate heritage, reflect local culture, and spotlight cycling as part of everyday life. It will weave a golden “TdF thread” through the home nations and local authorities, giving each region opportunities to showcase identity through arts and culture. Local professionals, creatives and students will help bring the Tour to life within communities, and the cultural narrative will celebrate local identity, creativity and community spirit through storytelling.
The cultural programme should capture the significance of hosting both Grand Départ events and weave in the heritage and cultural expression of each home nation.
What we’re looking for
British Cycling is seeking a Consultant or Consultancy to:
* Develop an Arts and Culture Programme for the Grand Départ 2027 in collaboration with our internal team, partner organisations and local authority hosts and funding partners. The programme must align with the Joy Social Impact Programme and wider event objectives.
* Identify and secure funding opportunities to support delivery of the Arts and Culture Programme across England, Scotland and Wales. This includes leading on funding applications (stage 1 where it’s a multistage process), securing funding from local authorities and developing a strategic delivery plan, timeline, budget, and delivery model.
Having done some initial scoping, it is anticipated that the programme may include elements such as large-scale land art, Tour-themed visual art, and music or performance along the event routes. Further information on work to date will be provided following contract award.
Resources and Funding
* A budget of £15k is available for this piece of work.
* A Social Impact Officer from British Cycling’s Tour de France Delivery Unit can be made available to support the project, subject to discussion of requirements.
How To Apply
If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape a bold and inclusive cultural programme for one of the UK’s biggest sporting events, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit the following by clicking on APPLY:
* A short (maximum 2 pages) concept plan outlining your approach to developing the Arts and Culture Programme across the three nations
* A portfolio of recent work or links to projects demonstrating your creative approach and impact
* A costings plan for this piece of work
If you have any questions regarding the opportunity or clarifications, please submit these to enquiries@letourgb.com
We welcome applications from both individuals and organisations.
Project Timeline
* Applications close: Wednesday 21 January 2026
* Submission evaluations, which may include interviews: 22 - 30 January
* Contract offered: Friday 30 January 2026
* Work to commence: February 2026
* Target submission of funding applications: April-May 2026, where feasible
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