News MBC launches Creative Communities Grants
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has launched the 'Creative Communities Grants' today – Monday 24 October. These will support events and activities that encourage arts engagement and community cohesion in Maidstone.
The total fund available - which is to be shared across the next three years, is £30,000 and has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
MBC is inviting creative individuals and arts groups in the borough to apply now for a grant between £500 and £2,000. This first funding applications close on Monday 5 December. Grants will be awarded on Monday 9 January 2023 when monies will be allocated according to the size of the proposed project and appropriateness of the application.
Commenting on the grants, Cllr Claudine Russell, MBC Lead Cabinet Member for Leisure and Arts said:
The Creative Community Grants will be a fantastic boost for someone who may be looking to get their arts project off the ground.We all know that with the current economic climate that it is not always easy to find the funds to be able to sometimes deliver these sorts of projects, so I would encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply now.
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.
Applications for the first round of funding open: Monday 24 October 2022. Deadline for submission of applications: Monday 5 December 2022
- Total fund available: £30,000 per annum (for 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.