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New Performing Arts Grant gets approval

Community organisations working in the arts in South Oxfordshire will benefit from a new grant launching next year.

Following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 28 November, South Oxfordshire District Council members approved their new Performing Arts Grant.

The new grant will open on 3 February 2025 and be open to voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire, who will be able to apply for up to £5,000 in funding for projects that improve community wellbeing across the district.

The grant scheme 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: “We’re very excited about the approval of the new Performing Arts Grant – we understand the importance of arts for people’s wellbeing and would like to encourage all eligible voluntary and community organisations to apply when applications open in the new year”. 

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)

More details about the grant along with information about the launch event and drop-in events across the district will be made available in the new year on the council’s website southoxon.gov.uk/grants and organisations can contact the Community Arts team performingartsgrants@southandvale.gov.uk for support when the grant is open.