Culture fund to boost projects
Bid offers chance to net cash
Campaigners aiming to secure the 2021 UK city of culture bid for Perth have challenged communities across the region to be part of the process.
A new cash pot – the Perth2021 Creative Communities Fund – has been set up to help communities and talented individuals to come up with schemes and ideas, big and small, which will show off the best Perth and Kinross has to offer and bring people together.
The aim of the fund is so that creative, inclusive activities will provide a taste of things to come should the Perth bid win – and show off the impact it could have for people in the local area.
Officials involved in the Perth 2021 Creative Communities Fund (CCF) will grant up to £1500 per application, for up to a year from January.
The funding panel is keen to see projects from throughout Perth and Kinross, not just in the bigger towns, that build relationships between geographical communities locally, or that come from a community of interest, an individual or group.
Projects can be one-offs, a series of regular events, a special exhibition, performance or something that reflects your community and Perth 2021.
The Perth 2021 bid is based on four broad themes:
• A great, green city: celebrating Perth’s place at the heart of a rural community;
• The Fair City: using culture to make Perth and Kinross a fairer place for all;
• Connections: emphasising the city’s role as a meeting place and melting pot, as well as the rivers that link the area together;
• A river of light: drawing on the city’s heritage as a catalyst for creative and ideas.
Gaining match funding is not essential for applying to the CCF,
Artists from Perth’s Polish community held a showcase of their work in Perth Museum and Art Gallery as part of the city’s recent Cultural Celebration Day. Alicia Dubanowska (9) tried her hand at decoupage, guided by artist Jolanta Matusil
however, applications should include relevant evidence if they are to be used to attract broader financial support.
Applications should also show how the activity or project contributes to at least one of the following objectives:
• Showcasing the amazing talent of people across Perth and Kinross;
• Showing that culture is for everyone;
• Getting people involved in cultural activities that they may not have tried before.
Applications will be considered fortnightly by an assessment panel.
Successful applicants will be asked to provide quarterly monitoring reports, and the funding panel will offer support as required during the funding period.
Provost of Perth and Kinross, Liz Grant, said: “On a daily basis, there is incredible talent in our communities
throughout Perth and Kinross – we saw that at the recent Community Cultural Celebration – and an appetite for culture, with around 40,000 people in Perth city centre at the time of the Christmas Lights switch-on.
“The bid for UK City of Culture 2021 will reflect the wealth of cultural achievement, and in order to support the continued development of these activities, the Creative Communities Fund is now open for applications from individuals, groups and communities across the local area.”
To apply for the CCF, visit the Perth 2021 website at www.perth2021.com/ creative-communities-fund/ and download the application form.
Completed forms can be posted to: City of Culture Team, 2 High Street, Perth PH1 5PH; or emailed to perth2021@pkc.gov.uk