The City of Colchester Council (CCC) has announced the Cultural and Creative Events Fund will be returning for 2023/24

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Applications are now open for micro grants of between £250-£1500 to help deliver creative events and activities across the City of Colchester local authority area between 30 April 2023 and 1 May 2024.  The fund is designed to help maintain and develop the city’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

The available funding totals £30,000, made up of £20,000 from CCC and £10,000 from project partner: the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. 

By linking up with the NHS, CCC is cementing its commitment to improving residents' health, wellbeing and quality of life through encouraging participation and engagement with cultural activities.

To be considered for funding, applications should demonstrate that the planned activity will achieve at least three of the following:

  • Deliver a high-quality cultural experience to local audiences
  • Develop or showcase local creative talent
  • Celebrate, explore, and raise awareness of local heritage
  • Encourage visitors to the City of Colchester
  • Celebrate our diverse local communities

Projects should also demonstrate how they will be contributing to breaking down social barriers, help develop inclusive communities, and have a direct or indirect aim of reducing social isolation through fostering community within the boundaries of the city.

Funding applications will be welcomed from registered charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations as well as not-for-profit groups.

Applications must be submitted online, by 6 February 2023, through CCC’s online portal which can be found here: www.colchester.gov.uk/cultural-creative-events-fund

Conservative Opposition Group Leader Cllr Darius G Laws said: “The Conservative opposition group at the Town Hall recognise the core retail and service function of the historic centre of Colchester has changed beyond all recognition, impacted most notably by the arrival of the internet.

We have been pressing the Coalition Council to ensure Colchester remains vibrant, be it making more of Colchester’s unique Roman history or ensuring destination experiences and events to draw people to the centre.”

Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s well known that involvement in creative and cultural activities has a positive effect on an individual’s wellbeing, as well as giving a boost to our communities. “From the success of last year’s fund, we know that Colchester is bursting and flourishing with creative energy, and hope that 2023 will see even more new projects come forward.”

Conservatives pledge to make Colchester a more attractive and interesting place to visit