News Fourth round of Creative Communities Grants opens for entries

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is urging arts and creative groups in the borough to submit their entries for the next round of Creative Communities Grants before the deadline on 30 November.

The grants were introduced by MBC to help encourage arts engagement and community cohesion in Maidstone town centre. Group and individual applications are invited, with grants of between £500 and £2,000 available.

MBC Lead Member for Leisure and Arts, Cllr Claudine Russell said:

“Art and creativity is so important for connecting people and helping to make Maidstone an even more attractive place to live, work and visit. MBC’s Creative Communities Grant is designed to create a sense of pride in our area, and give the opportunity to an individual or group to get a project off the ground that they would not otherwise have the resources to bring to fruition.

“It’s clear from the applications we’ve received for previous funding rounds that there is some amazing artistic talent in the borough. Whether a project centres on dance, music, drama or visual arts, we are excited to see what this next round of applicants has to offer.”

The MBC Creative Communities Grants are funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and in this latest round the Council has been awarded £13,000 to give away subject to a successful application bid.

This fourth round of MBC Creative Communities Grants will be awarded on 18 December 2023 when monies will be allocated according to the appropriateness of the application.

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

The deadline for this round of funding closes 30 November 2023.

• Total fund available: £30,000 per annum
• Grant range available to apply for: £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

Photo of a previous recipient - Harmony street performers at Maidstone Fringe Festival

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