Government Launches Pilot Scheme to Develop the Creative Talents of Young People

The Government has announced that it is seeking expression of interests from local partnerships to participate in a £25 million pilot to give young people in England the chance to experience high quality arts and culture.
The funding is being made available through the new 'Find Your Talent' scheme and will be piloted in 10 local areas. The scheme aims to give young people the chance to discover and develop their talents.
This will include the chance to; perform on stage and attend performances, exhibitions and heritage sites; get hands-on experience of the creative industries; learn a musical instrument, and take part in a musical performance; produce creative writing; learn about - and practise - new media and digital art; and develop art and craft skills.
Each partnership has the opportunity to apply for up to £2.5 million is funding.

All Partnerships should include the Local Authority (or local authorities if covering a wider area), the local Music Service, all appropriate cultural institutions and specialist schools, and cultural programmes such as Arts Award, and, where these are in operation, Renaissance in the Regions, Cultural Hubs and Creative Partnerships.
Partnerships should also make links with local creative industries and other creators and professionals.
The closing date for submitting expressions of interests is 5 pm on the 7th April 2008.... www.creative-partnerships.com/offer

DCMS conducts first national study of voluntary arts activity in England

On 1 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be launching the first ever national survey of amateur arts groups in England. Groups of voluntary and amateur participants from all artistic walks of life – from music, dance and crafts, to theatre, visual arts and literature - are being encouraged to participate by going to www.artsurvey.org.uk and completing a short online questionnaire before 29th February.
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, said:
“The arts are a really important part of so many people’s lives. Taking part in local voluntary arts groups is rewarding, fascinating and fun. This survey is the first step to connect with those involved. Over 70% of people in England take part in artistic activities in all their many and varied forms - but for too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised as an important part of our thriving arts scene. This survey will try to map voluntary and amateur arts groups and look at how they are supported and how more people could be encouraged to get involved.“
The results will be published in the summer.
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6020 www.culture.gov.uk

Arts Funding 2008 to 2011

Following weeks of speculation here is the position of the Arts Council and their funding proposals

Click here to view the General Local Authority funding document written by Nick Capaldi (opens in Word)

Click here to view/download the ACESW Annual Funding schedule by RFO County and LA 2008-2011(Excel spreadsheet)

Artlife Grant Application Deadlines

The following deadlines apply for Artlife Grant applications:

Deadline 25 April 2008
Grants Meeting 12 May, Decision after 19 May

Deadline 27 June 2008
Grants Meeting 14 July, Decision after 21 July

Deadline 5 September 2008
Grants Meeting 22 September, Decision after 27 September

Deadline 31 October 2008
Grants Meeting 17 November, Decision after 24 November

For information on applying please visit our website http://www.artlife-somerset.co.uk/ and look under Resources.