Following the success of the 2022 Cultural and Creative Events Fund, which supported more than 20 projects, Colchester City Council (CCC) is pleased to announce the Cultural and Creative Events Fund will be returning for 2023/24.
Applications are now open for micro grants of between £250-£1500 to help deliver creative events and activities across the City of Colchester local authority area between 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2024.
The fund comes out of recommendations in the Colchester Cultural Strategy, and demonstrates the council’s commitment to help maintain and develop the city’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.
The available funding totals £30,000, made up of £20,000 from CCC and £10,000 from project partner the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. By linking up with the NHS, CCC is cementing its commitment to improving residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life through encouraging participation and engagement with culture.
Only applications which demonstrate the planned activity will achieve at least three of the following will be considered for funding:
- Deliver a high-quality cultural experience to local audiences
- Develop or showcase local creative talent
- Celebrate, explore, and raise awareness of local heritage
- Encourage visitors to the City of Colchester
- Celebrate our diverse local communities
Funding applications will be welcomed from registered charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations as well as not-for-profit groups.
The fund closes to applications on 6 February 2023.
All applications must be submitted online through CCC’s online portal which can be found here www.colchester.gov.uk/cultural-creative-events-fund
Councillor Pam Cox, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage, said: “Thanks to the commitment of a huge range of individuals and groups, the breadth and diversity of our cultural offer makes the City of Colchester a unique place to live, visit, work, and study. In partnership with our local NHS, through this fund we hope to support organisations and communities across the local authority to provide further fantastic opportunities for people to come together and participate in a wide range of creative and cultural activity.”
Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s well known that involvement in creative and cultural activities has a positive effect on an individual’s wellbeing, as well as giving a boost to our communities.
“From the success of last year’s fund, we know that Colchester is bursting and flourishing with creative energy, and hope that 2023 will see even more new projects come forward.”
Page last reviewed: 4 January 2023