Public art put in the council frame

West Lothian Council has launched a new county-wide public art grant scheme.

the‘grassroots2’initiative will enable two community groups to gain funding to create new public art in their area in 2017/18.

two projects will be selected for funding of 75 per cent of the cost of the artwork to a maximum of £20,000.

Applications should include ideas for community consultation and how this may be carried out.

to be successful the projects will demonstrate a lasting benefit to the community and should make people feel better about themselves and their community.

the artworks must be sited in communal spaces which could be areas considered to be undervalued, unappreciated or underused places.

the grant fund will meet the wider strategic agenda for the sustainable development of public art in West Lothian with the funding supporting local communities to develop their capacity for public art project management while improving the local built and natural environments.

successful applications will also demonstrate partnership working and a higher requirement for match-funding.

the deadline for the first round of applications is Wednesday, February 1.

there may be other opportunities to apply at a later date which will be announced in the coming months.

Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King commented:“West Lothian is the home of internationally recognised pieces of public Art, with over 80 artworks located around the county.

“opening this new grassroots public Art grant scheme will enable local communities to hold their own community consultations to consider the type of artwork which could improve their local area whether it is in a built area or a natural environment.

“the two successful applications will demonstrate community engagement and lasting benefits for the community, develop partnership working and if necessary secure match-funding from the scheme.”

For more information on public art in West Lothian and the new grassroots public Art scheme, visit www. westlothian.gov.uk/ publicart or email camille. archer@westlothian.gov.uk.