Creative Grants Available for Local Residents
Council joining forces with Creative Lives, a national charity that promotes taking part in creative activity to boost well-being and help people feel connected to the place where they live.
- Individuals, local groups and businesses have a chance to bid for a share of £23,000 worth of funds to support opportunities for everyone to find their creative side.
- Applications opened on 11 December 2023, apply by 31 January 2024.
Applications are invited for funding to help residents discover their creative side, boost their well-being and encourage residents to feel connected to Reading.
Working with national charity Creative Lives, the Council is providing funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Applications for grant awards of either £500 or £1,000 are available to bid for between 11 December 2023 until 31 January 2024.
Applications which provide opportunities for everyone to get involved in creative activities where they live, and which enhance community engagement are encouraged from residents and small organisations who could;
- set up an activity in a new space, for example a hairdressers, school, cafe or shop
- organise community events, guided walks, film screenings, exhibitions, podcasts or reminiscence sessions to help share stories
- help residents pick up a new skill or knowledge via a creative activity
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: "Do you have a creative skill you’d like to share with others? Are you part of a group that would like to do something creative?”
“Creative activities play a crucial role in fostering community connections and individual well-being. The Seed Funding for Creative Activities initiative is a fantastic opportunity for local groups and businesses to bring people together through imaginative projects.”
The deadline for applications is 31 January 2024 and the Council is aiming to inform groups whether they have been successful or not by the first week of March 2024.
To find out more you can attend one of two information sessions or request a 15 minute phone call for advice by signing up here (Reading Seed Funds - Info Sessions | Eventbrite).
For more information and to apply visit Seed Funds Grants for Creative Activities in Reading Borough (creative-lives.org)