FINAL submissions are being invited for Essex County Council’s Arts and Cultural Fund before the deadline on Monday 11 December.
The fund has supported over 60 arts and cultural projects since launching in 2021. It provides between £2,500 and £30,000 to successful applicants to deliver free and low-cost activities, events and exhibitions throughout the county. The fund aims to engage communities and enhance wellbeing while benefiting residents.
During 2022/2023, the fund has:
- seen over 17,000 workshop participants
- had 100,000 residents engage with over 60 arts and cultural projects
- given the opportunity to over 5,000 schoolchildren to engage with arts and culture
- employed over 500 creatives to deliver projects,
- attracted over £450,000 in match funding
The fund is a key part of the council’s Everyone’s Essex and Levelling Up strategies. It has funded activities to support people living with dementia, celebrated Essex’s diverse communities and engaged with school age children on themes of climate change and health and wellbeing.
Eligible film, music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature and combined arts projects can apply. This includes festivals and carnivals, museums and creative sectors. Individual artists and co-operatives, community groups, charities and trusts, are also eligible.
Councillor Mark Durham, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, was recently selected as a local authority representative for Arts Council England in the South East area.
He said: “We are delighted at how well the Arts and Cultural Fund has been received. I’d encourage those working within the creative sector to complete their applications so that we can continue to support the county’s arts and cultural sector.
“All the funded projects will continue delivering free and low-cost events for Essex residents of all ages to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to work with the county’s great arts and cultural practitioners in 2024.”
Artists and cultural organisations can submit their applications up to Monday 11 December. Successful applicants will be notified in February 2024. For more information and to apply visit: www.explore-essex.com/arts-culture-fund
Watch the 2024 Arts and Cultural Fund launch video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vpAM4ynKnY.
