Community groups and arts organisations from across Staffordshire are being invited to apply for funding to deliver arts activities in their local area.
The funding is available for projects or events which benefit local communities, and organisations can apply for up to £1,000.
Last year the fund supported over 40 projects with 10,000 people taking part in dance, singing, arts, music, and drama workshops. Over 42,000 people also attended events such as festivals, exhibitions, concerts and performances. Projects ranged from graduate craft development programmes to film shows in rural areas and artist residencies in care homes.
Cllr Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said: “Staffordshire is a talented and creative county and there are lots of arts groups and organisations across the county doing some great work. The arts have many benefits for both individuals in terms of increasing confidence, social interaction and learning new skills as well as helping to build relationships in local communities.
“Arts based activities can also reach out to older people helping them to meet new friends and help reduce isolation and loneliness and improve mental health and wellbeing. We want to support our local arts groups in Staffordshire and our Community Arts Fund is helping us do this.”
To find out more about the Community Arts Fund or to make an application visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/communityartsfund or contact Tracie Meredith, Community Arts Officer on 01785 278571.