B-Corp accreditation for arts organisation behind Blackburn’s Eid Festival

A Blackburn-based arts organisation has joined an exclusive community of global
brands that includes the likes of Patagonia, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Guardian Media Group.

Culturapedia, which delivers an interconnected programme of hugely popular arts and theatre events to communities stretching right across Lancashire, including Blackburn’s first ever Eid Festival, has officially been certified as a B Corp organisation.

Culturapedia is not a charity or CIC, but their work, now credited as a B Corp,
demonstrates another way to be a successful, community-focused, ethical, and
sustainable arts-focused business that efficiently delivers exceptional cultural
experiences to Lancashire and reached 34, 631 people across Lancashire and
worked with 360 artists in 2025 alone.

Rob Howell of Culturapedia said: “We are values-driven, and sustainability is embedded into the way we work, from the curation of our touring programme, selecting only theatre companies and artists with the highest standards of environmental responsibility; to our fair pay policy, our ethos and practices relating to how we work with our communities and the tree we plant for every event we produce.

"We’re delighted that we have been internationally recognised with this external trust marker that proves we are actually doing good, rather than just claiming to be sustainable.”

Culturapedia has spent the past three decades producing excellent creative events, including Blackburn’s recent Eid Festival, as well as hundreds of Town Centre performances and workshops that engage with currently underserved people, in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn BID.

The B Corp certification recognises businesses that benefit people, communities and the planet.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “For three decades, Culturapedia have inspired audiences and transformed non-traditional spaces into the most amazing cultural arenas.”

Alex O’Toole, Arts Lancashire, said: "Culturapedia’s achievement in securing B Corp certification is a powerful moment for Lancashire’s cultural sector.

"It demonstrates that charitable status is not the only route to delivering meaningful, socially driven cultural work.

"Different business models can open up new possibilities, enabling organisations to be more agile, more entrepreneurial and ultimately more sustainable, while staying rooted in strong values and public benefit.

"What’s particularly exciting about B Corp, and B Corp certification more broadly, is the rigour and credibility it brings. It offers a framework that aligns ethics, accountability and impact with creative practice - something that is
increasingly vital for the future of our sector.

"This milestone provides a visible and inspiring template for others across
Lancashire. It shows that by choosing flexible, values-led structures, cultural
organisations can unlock creative freedom, build resilience and sustain
long-term impact."