Round two of the Fenland Culture Fund opens to applications

Round two of Fenland District Council's Fenland Culture Fund is now open for applications, with grants of up to £2,000 available.

The first funding round last year saw over £34,000 awarded to 19 individuals and organisations to deliver a range of cultural projects and activities to people across the district.

Not only has round two's total funding pot been increased but applicants can also now apply for capital funding to invest in equipment and tools, or to adapt or improve new or existing cultural spaces, in addition to revenue funding for activities and projects.

Above: Round two of the Fenland Culture Fund was launched at The Hop Rooms, Elgoods Brewery, Wisbech, on 20 November. Pictured at the event are representatives from Arts Council England and the Fenland Culture Partnership; from left, Jaime-Lea Taylor, Fenland District Council's Creativity & Culture Development Officer; Rob Drummer, Programme Director at MarketPlace, Creative People & Places; Claudia West, Director, Cambridge (interim) at Arts Council England; Adrian Cooke, Relationship Manager at Arts Council England; Katherine Nightingale, Chief Executive & Creative Director at 20Twenty Productions; Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for heritage and culture; and Rob Williams, Trustee of the Angles Theatre/Wisbech Theatre Trust.

Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for heritage and culture, said:"The Fenland Culture Fund supports our ambitions of supporting the district's creative sector and providing more opportunities for people to experience arts and culture in Fenland, so I'm delighted we're able to launch this second round of funding.

"We saw just how impactful these small grants were following round one of the fund, with a huge variety of events and activities enabled and enjoyed in every corner of Fenland.

"With this latest round of funding, even more local creatives and arts organisations will be given support to put on more activities for the people of Fenland, and the tools they need to develop their talent and offering further."

The deadline to apply for a Fenland Culture Fund grant is Monday 13 January 2025.

Apply for a grant

To find out more and apply, visit: Fenland Culture Fund

Revenue grant funding could be used for activities including, but not limited to, workshops, events, performances, festivals, exhibitions and skills development.

Capital grant funding could be used for investments including, but not limited to, new lighting or sound equipment, cameras, furniture and improvements to buildings.

Funding should benefit communities or artists in the district and meet at least one of four outcomes that align with the Fenland Creativity and Culture Strategy - Building New Relationships; Reaching More People; Improving the Quality of Your Work and Supporting Artistic Ambition.

The grant scheme has been funded by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England and is a partnership project with Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy.

Alongside the Fenland Culture Fund, Fenland District Council is establishing a Giving Circle with Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy, to support the future of the fund and further boost the growth and sustainability of arts, culture, and heritage in Fenland.

Anyone who needs help to complete an application can email culturefund@fenland.gov.uk or phone 07563 375911.

Support is available weekdays, with the exception of weeks commencing 23rd and 30th December.

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November 2024