£2500 grant for play group travel mural
Kiwi playgroup awarded cultural initiative fund
A welcome cash boost for an East Kilbride playgroup is set to brighten up East Kilbride railway station.
Kiwi Pre-School Playgroup is one of 15 groups and individuals in Scotland to receive a total of £40,000 in the first round of awards from the ScotRail Cultural and Arts Fund since it was established in November last year.
The West Mains group, which is already one of ScotRail’s Station Adopters, will use their £2500 grant to create a vandalproof mural in East Kilbride train station, themed around recycling and train travel.
A further £10,000 will be awarded in grants to support cultural initiatives for local communities by July 2016.
Rebecca Hay, chairperson for Kiwi PreSchool Playgroup, said: “We’re delighted to be awarded the funding, which has allowed us to recruit an artist to work with the playgroup’s children to create murals depicting the history of the railway using recycled materials.
“The station is situated just across the road, and as the kids absolutely love learning about trains, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get them involved whilst brightening up the station building.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Widening access to the arts is a top priority for the Scottish Government and we’re working hard to ensure people of all ages have the opportunity to access, enjoy and participate in cultural activity and experience our heritage. We know culture and the arts can tackle inequalities, empower people and transform lives.
“The ScotRail Cultural and Arts Fund demonstrates an ongoing commitment to ensuring that communities across Scotland are supported to create and participate, so that all the hard work and imagination that contribute to the cultural life of our communities is recognised and rewarded. I encourage interested individuals and groups to apply for the next round of funding.”
The deadline for applications for the next round of funding is June 30, with successful applicants being announced in July.
Groups interested in submitting an application should visit www.scotrail. co.uk/cafund for more information.