Local organisations and community and voluntary groups from across Bassetlaw have shared almost £50,000 of funding that will deliver arts and heritage based events and activities in their communities.
A total of 10 recipients have benefitted from grants of around £5,000 each thanks to Bassetlaw District Council’s Arts and Heritage Grant Programme, which is funded through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Just some of the local projects include providing creative therapies for people fighting cancer, a sculpture project that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, and funding for a Christmas Lantern Parade.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “Volunteers and organised groups are a huge part of our local communities and are a major catalyst for events and celebrations that bring people together.
“Through these grants, we are thrilled to give these groups much needed additional resources that will benefit specific groups of people, as well as the community, in addition to bringing a lot of enjoyment to the people who take part in these projects.
“The Arts and Heritage Grant Programme is just one of the ways that we are helping communities to thrive and compliments the work that we are doing across Bassetlaw through our own arts and heritage workshops, and the work of BCVS to administer an additional community grants programme.”
One of the successful recipients of a £5,000 grant are Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, who will be working with children, adults and families in Harworth and Bircotes to create a ‘Pride in our Place’ photo exhibition, as well as introduce participants to photography skills and visual art.
Helen Ackroyd, Libraries and Culture Manager, Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, said: “We are delighted to receive UKSPF funding from Bassetlaw and can’t wait to work with the community exploring, adding to, and being inspired by the heritage collections at Bircotes and Harworth to create a Pride in Our Place exhibition in 2024.
“This project will build on the work started with the recent Libraries Improvement Fund investment in the building and continue to support the Library to be the central hub of the community.”
Community groups who wish to bid for a share of around £28,000 as part of our allocation for 2024/25 will have the opportunity to do so in January. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 will be available and more information can be found by visiting www.bassetlaw.gov.uk and searching for UKSPF.
The funding is part of a package of measures that will be delivered over the next two years, thanks to Bassetlaw District Council securing more than £3.3million of the Government’s UKSPF monies. This will help to fund projects and initiatives that build pride in place and increase life chances across three key areas - Community and Place, Local Businesses and People and Skills.
Pictured is: Ellie Gilbert, Librarian at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries.
The full list of groups and projects that were successful with grant applications for 2023/24 include:
| Name of Organisation | Location | Project |
|---|---|---|
|
Markham Clinton |
West Markham |
Provide resources and equipment for new community activities. For example, quiz nights, heritage events, fitness classes, and a range of art classes. |
|
Aurora Wellbeing |
Worksop |
Arts and Minds Creative Therapy Programme, including Photography Skills Workshops and an Art Therapy course exploring the theme of ‘Identity and Loss after a cancer diagnosis’. |
|
Bassetlaw Museum |
Retford |
Events that explore 1920s culture, fashion, dance and decorative arts, inspired by the museum’s existing collection of costume and artefacts. |
|
Evolution Soccer |
Retford |
An Activities Festival in Retford that provides sporting, arts, heritage and cultural experiences for young people. |
|
Harworth and Bircotes Pride |
Harworth and Bircotes |
Creation of two pieces of public art that will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the Pride events that take place across Bassetlaw. The first sculpture will appear at all Bassetlaw Pride events, while a second sculpture will be displayed at Idle Valley Nature Reserve. |
|
Retford Business Forum |
Retford |
Lantern making activities in local schools that will support a wider Christmas themed parade and event in the town centre. |
|
Inspire |
Harworth and Bircotes Library |
Work with children, adults and families to create a ‘Pride in our Place’ photo exhibition, as well as introduce participants to photography skills and visual art. |
|
Oasis Community Church, Centre and Gardens. |
Worksop |
Playspace events focussed on children and families taking place during Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays. |
|
Retford Arts Hub |
Retford |
Introductory art classes for children and adults, teaching participants how to draw and paint with chalk, charcoal, pencil, watercolours, acrylics and oils. |
|
Rhubarb Farm |
Langwith |
Gather and Grow is a series of eco-therapy inspired creative arts, horticulture and food workshops culminating in a celebratory Harvest Festival where workshop attendees can showcase their work and celebrate their journey. |
Last Updated on Friday, February 9, 2024