Funding pot worth £500k available to arts projects

Suffolk County Council has invited arts projects to apply for grants

Arts projects have been invited to apply for a share of £500,000 following a council U-turn on funding cuts.

In January, plans by Suffolk County Council to cut arts funding as part of a cost-saving exercise were criticised by Dame Judie Dench, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and demonstrators outside council offices in Ipswich.

Nine organisations have previously received the funding but the new Culture Project Fund will be open to all in the sector.

The authority has opened the applications process for three types of grant, with the largest one worth up to £50,000.

Dame Judi, a patron of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, said she was "deeply shocked" when cuts were proposed by the council

Smaller grants of up to £15,000 and £1,500 are also available.

The council previously said the funding U-turn was possible after the government's announcement of £600m in further funding for local authorities.

Applicants eligible for the fund include arts and museum organisations, freelancers, charities, non-profits, community-focused companies and social enterprises.

The authority hopes the fund will improve the cultural landscape across the county and strengthen local arts and museum projects.

Philip Faircloth-Mutton, the council's cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, said the aim was to "create happier, healthier and stronger communities".

He added: "The launch of the Culture Project Fund marks a significant investment in the future of Suffolk’s cultural sector.

"This fund is about more than just arts and culture. It’s about building resilience, fostering inclusion and boosting the wellbeing of our residents.

"We're excited to see the positive impact these projects will have on our county."