New funding opportunity to support cultural activities in Herefordshire

Grants from £1,000 to £10,000 are up for grabs to support the delivery of local arts, culture, heritage and creative activities across Herefordshire. This can include anything from community events, festivals, creative activities and workshops to tours, exhibitions, maker spaces, shows and screenings as part of an ongoing creative programme.

Eligible organisations include:

• Charities, voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations, including charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and social enterprises (eg Community Interest Companies)
• Businesses (with a core operation in the natural, cultural or heritage sector)
• State and independent schools and colleges (as long as the project or activity benefits and involves the community and does not deliver activities that are part of the standard curriculum)
• Town and parish councils
• Community benefit societies
• Community clubs or trusts
• Religious organisations (as long as the project or activity benefits the wider community and does not include religious content)

Hay Castle Trust was a previous recipient of one of these grants. Dr Tom True, Executive Director at the Trust, said:

Thanks to Year One investment from UKSPF towards the development of the Hay Open event, we now have a self-sustaining annual exhibition for the long-term, which provides the opportunity for our artistic community to come together, show their work, and develop their artistic careers, while also contributing necessary income towards castle overheads.

Jack Ludwig of Ludwig Theatre Arts also received a grant to support his group’s production of Chicago. He commented:

I would like to say a massive thank you to Herefordshire Council for making the performance of Chicago possible. The feedback from this production has been like nothing else we have seen in the past. The students have absolutely loved it, and the grant made an unwavering difference.

To apply for a grant, your organisation must be registered in the county, or you can be registered outside Herefordshire but delivering your main business, programmes and benefits directly in the county. 

Sarah Lee, Culture and Leisure Lead at Herefordshire Council, commented:

This UKSPF grant scheme offers a great opportunity for local organisations to receive revenue funding for up to 100% of the costs of their cultural project. I would therefore urge any organisation that is looking for financial support for a community cultural activity to apply.

Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth and Lead Cabinet Member for the UKSPF Programme, added:

Creative activities are great for wellbeing and strengthening communities and can help to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. They also attract people into the county, thereby providing a boost to the local economy. If your organisation is eligible to apply and has a cultural project in mind, please do put in an application before the deadline.

Full details, including the grant application form, are available on the council’s website. The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 4 July.