Reading arts groups can bid for £15,000 funding

The Forbury Lion. Credit: getreading

Arts and culture groups are being encouraged to bid for £15,000 in funding for projects which will improve lives as part of the Reading, Place of Culture initiative.

Reading Borough Council is offering three pots of £15,000 to the three successful projects.

The funding is available for arts, culture and heritage community programmes to run activities over 12 months, with the aim of engaging the people of Reading, Berkshire.

The council would like a particular focus on people who are less likely to access cultural opportunities and where engagement could have a significant positive impact on their well-being.

Bidders have to go for the full £15,000 but can work together with other groups to share out the funding.

Examples of viable projects include:

• Aim of improving better physical and mental well-being: music programmes to aid stroke recovery; dance classes for older people or drumming workshops supporting mental health recovery.
• Aim of improving education, skills and personal development: Creative writing with children to increase literacy; music sessions for young people with autism to improve social interaction or event production with young people not in employment, education or training, to gain employability skills.
• Aim of bringing about social cohesion: community groups creating public art; intergenerational photography programmes between schools and care homes, or storytelling projects on council estates.

Once a successful bid has been made, the group or organisation must work with one or more of the target priority groups identified, such as young and old people, those suffering from poor health, physical or learning disabilities, people experiencing homelessness or those living in areas of deprivation or isolation.

The £45,000 fund has been set up as part of the Reading, Place of Culture initiative which is bankrolled by the National Lottery.

The arts can promote community spirit and improve health and well-being

Leader of the council, Councillor Jo Lovelock said: "The council has a priority to address local needs in innovative ways – and this project has the great potential to help contribute towards supporting the well-being of Reading’s residents.

"Research has shown that engaging in arts and cultural activities has a wide reaching beneficial impact on people’s health and wellbeing; improving recovery from illness, promoting community spirit, combatting loneliness and relieving the pressure on GP services.

"This is also a great chance for local arts organisations to develop their skills in applying for commissions, with our guidance and support.

"This project has the great potential to help contribute towards supporting the well-being of Reading’s residents"

"It encourages arts groups to work collaboratively with voluntary and community sectors and public services to meet local people’s needs.

"Culture and heritage play a vital role in Reading and I’m delighted that the town continues to gain in reputation as a location of cultural excellence.

"I look forward to seeing the outcome of this innovative project over the next three years and hopefully its longer lasting legacy of culturally enriching the lives of Reading residents.

"I’d also like to extend our thanks to the generous support from National Lottery players and the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England and Historic England, which has enabled this project to take place."

Potential applicants can find out more here.

Bidding closes on Thursday, May 31.