Essex County Council (ECC) have committed to unlocking £1,000,000 of funding over five years to support Essex’s arts and cultural sector.
A NEW £1 million fund which will provide support to the county’s art and culture sector over the next five years is to be launched by Essex County Council (ECC).
Opening on Tuesday 4 January 2022, the ECC Arts and Cultural Fund will offer artists and cultural organisations grants from £2,500 to £30,000 to deliver projects to help support and rejuvenate the Essex arts and culture sector, as well as the county’s towns and city high streets.
The Arts and Cultural Fund is open to individual artists and co-operatives, as well as community groups, charities and trusts, community interest companies, social enterprises and private and public organisations.
Prior to the pandemic, Essex had the third largest creative industry sector in the UK* – employing over 25,000 people throughout the county – with the arts and culture sector worth an estimated total of £2.6 billion.
Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Councillor Cabinet Member for Devolution, the Arts Heritage and Culture, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Arts and Cultural Fund which will support arts and culture organisations across the county.
“We believe that a thriving creative sector is part of a strong economy and one which will rejuvenate our high streets. It is my hope that the Arts and Cultural Fund will support the diverse and vibrant communities we have throughout the county.”
Applications can now made until the closing date of Monday 28 February 2022. Successful grant submissions will be announced at the end of March 2022.
For more information and to view the full guidance of the Arts and Cultural Fund please visit www.explore-essex.com/arts-culture-fund.
