Kickstart Voluntary Art
Microgrants launched for creative community groups across Cheshire
As part of Cheshire West and Chester’s Re-opening and Recovery Programme for
rural areas and local communities, the council is working with Cheshire West
Voluntary Arts Network and Creative Lives to offer microgrants to kickstart creative
activity happening in communities across the borough.
Creative Lives (formerly Voluntary Arts) are supporting applicants and distributing
grants between £200 and £500 to eligible groups in rural areas and districts. The
microgrants are funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council to support activity
happening between November 2021 and January 2022.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “We
have a network of groups across the borough who like everyone have been badly
affected by Covid-19, stopping their activities for up to 18 months. The microgrants
are to help these local groups to start or restart creative activities in their
communities.
“This funding is to encourage community building, engagement and wellbeing, by
supporting a wide range of art-forms. We’re hoping to see around 50 local groups
and activities supported through the microgrant scheme.”
Creative Lives is a national charity dedicated to championing community and
volunteer-led creative activity and working to improve opportunities for everyone to
be creative.
“In the past we’ve seen microgrants support activity in a wide range of communities,
with local groups leading activities ranging from telepoetry, to knitting and gardening.
They’ve helped groups to set up digitally during the pandemic and have offered a
boost to those working out the practicalities of a covid-safe and inclusive relaunch.
We’re pleased to be supporting Cheshire West and Chester Council to offer these
opportunities” says Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives.
The grant can be used to support creative experimentation, reaching out to new
members and audiences – as well as covering practical costs (from hire to materials
and staff).
Steph Meskell-Brocken, Chair of Cheshire West Voluntary Arts Network said “we’re
really pleased to have this support as voluntary activities restart and are hoping that
it will enable a wide range of grassroots arts activity to happen in communities,
support activities like digital film-making tutorials or even cover the cost of a Musical
Director to kickstart a choir.”
There will be funding distributed in November (applications submitted by 5pm,
Friday 15 October) and December (applications submitted by 9am, Monday 15
November).
Successful applicants will also be able to apply for a small number of larger
development grants and all applicants will be offered ongoing support from Creative
Lives, Cheshire West Voluntary Arts Network and Cheshire West Voluntary Action, to
continue to develop their activities.
Full application details can be found at:
https://www.creative-lives.org/cheshire-west-microgrants-kickstart-voluntary-art