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£60,000 available in grants for performing arts in South Oxfordshire

Published 9 January 2025

A new £60,000 Performing Arts grant scheme, run by South Oxfordshire District Council will open for applications on 3 February 2025.

The scheme is open to voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire, who will be able to apply for a minimum of £500 and up to a maximum of £5,000 in funding for projects that improve community wellbeing across the district.

The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of South Oxfordshire by providing a financial boost to projects that help improve the quality of life of people living in the district, through projects that have a significant impact on the community.

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “This grant scheme will provide much needed funding for Performing Arts organisations in our district, helping them deliver impactful projects and provide opportunities that help improve community wellbeing for residents across South Oxfordshire.”

Funding advice event

South Oxfordshire District Council are holding a funding advice event at Watlington Town Hall at 4pm on Thursday 23 January 2025. Places at this event are limited and must be booked in advance – please register here.

There will be further advice sessions for those who cannot make this event – If any organisations have a project they’d like to discuss, have any questions about eligibility or the application process for this scheme, they can book a phone call, arrange a Teams chat or a face-to-face meeting. Email performingartsgrants@southandvale.gov.uk.

Applicants must show how their projects meet the following community values and priorities, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable performing arts scene in South Oxfordshire:

  • Increase the range of arts opportunities available to local communities.
  • Support inclusive practice and celebrate diversity
  • Develop local artistic talent
  • Promote innovation and excellence
  • Develop new audiences and participants in performing arts initiatives

Organisations eligible to apply are:

  • Non-for- profit groups, arts, or community groups
  • Town and parish councils
  • Schools (for non-core curriculum activities)

The grant scheme closes at midday on 3 March 2025. More information about the grant scheme along with information about the launch event and drop-in events can be found on the council’s website southoxon.gov.uk/grants and organisations can contact the Community Arts team by email performingartsgrants@southandvale.gov.uk