Council announces grants for creative projects

Wakefield Council has announced a wave of fresh creative grants

A council in West Yorkshire has awarded 21 grants for creative projects as part of a year-long cultural celebration.

Wakefield Council has distributed the money as part of its Our Year programme of cultural and heritage activity.

The grants of up to £15,000 include support for projects exploring the district's coal mining history.

Councillor Michelle Collins, from the local authority, said the impact of the projects on people's wellbeing was "extremely valuable".

The cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: "There’s so much for everyone to get involved with and to celebrate our district.”

The recipients include a podcast series exploring how coal mining influenced and continues to influence the culture of the district.

Another grant will fund a short documentary about South Elmsall and South Kirkby's history of community solidarity around the miners' strike of 1984-85.

The documentary, called Unearthing Identities, will debut at the Moorthorpe Empire Working Mens Club.

Grants remain available to support Wakefield district creatives, cultural organisations and community groups, a council spokesperson said.

Ms Collins added: “These projects support our communities to celebrate what is important to them and the impact they have on people’s wellbeing is extremely valuable."

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