News MBC calling Arts Groups to apply now for Creative Communities Grants

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is encouraging arts groups to apply now for Creative Communities Grants between £500 and £2,000.

The first creative grant applications were launched by MBC on 24 October and are only open until Monday 5 December so groups are being asked to apply before applications close.

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the grants that are aimed at creative individuals and arts groups in the borough will be available over the next three years with £30k available per annum. They will support events and activities that encourage arts engagement and community cohesion in Maidstone town centre.

Commenting on the grants, Cllr Claudine Russell, MBC Lead Cabinet Member for Leisure and Arts said:

“We have been delighted with the applications we have received so far for the Creative Communities Grants but there is still time for anyone who meets the criteria to apply. These could just be the help an arts project needs to get off the ground.

“These are the first of three rounds of grants over the next few years, but I would encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply now and get your project started.”

The first MBC Creative Communities Grants will be awarded on 9 January 2023 when monies will be allocated according to the size of the proposed project and appropriateness of the application.

Claudine continued:

“The current economic climate is making it more difficult for many creative community groups to find the funds to deliver these sorts of projects but if you are someone in that position please make sure you don’t miss out and apply now.”

One of MBC’s four priorities is Homes and Communities and these grants reflect that.

Creative Communities Grant application criteria:

Who can apply: Individual artists and creatives, community groups and cultural organisations located in the borough of Maidstone.

There are four key priorities for the Creative Communities Grants:

• Increasing pride in our borough and its communities
• Increasing participation/engagement in arts and cultural activities; working with diverse audiences
• Supporting new and existing creative talent in the borough
• Promoting the benefits of arts and culture to our society, economy, health and wellbeing

Cllr Russell continued:

“I am always so impressed by the amount of amazing talent we have in Maidstone when it comes to creative arts and I am really looking forward to seeing the projects that will come out of the funding from these community grants.”

The deadline for the first round of funding closes Monday 5 December 2022

• Total fund available: £30,000 per annum (over the next three years)
• Grant range:  £500 - £2,000

Further details about the grants and a link to the online application form can be found at https://arts.maidstone.gov.uk/home/funding

Homes and Communities is one of the four priorities for Maidstone Borough Council and the Creative Communities Grants reflect that.

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