A new £1 million fund to support Essex’s art and culture sector over the next five years opens for applications today.
The Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund offers artists and cultural organisations grants from £2,500 to £30,000 to deliver projects.
The fund will be open to individual artists and co-operatives, community groups, charities, community interest companies, social enterprises and private and public organisations.
Prior to the pandemic, Essex’s creative sector was the third largest in the UK, employing more than 25,000 people. It contributed an estimated £2.6 billion to the county’s economy. The new fund will support and rejuvenate the Essex arts and culture sector, as well as the county’s towns and city high streets.
Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts Heritage and Culture, said:
“We believe that a thriving creative sector is part of a strong economy and one which will rejuvenate our high streets. It is my hope that the Arts and Cultural Fund will support the diverse and vibrant communities we have throughout the county.”
Applications for the Arts and Cultural Fund are open until Monday 28 February 2022. Successful grant submissions will be announced at the end of March 2022.
More information about the fund and how to apply is available at the Explore Essex website.
