Colourful painted canvases hanging on a white wall in a room with a violin hanging on the side

Published: Tuesday, 8th August 2023

Applications are open again for the Royal Borough of Greenwich Community Arts Fund, which gives grants to community groups, organisations or artists delivering arts and culture activities.

With a new simplified process, we are particularly interested in activity East of the borough to help widen access to arts programmes across Royal Greenwich but welcome all applicants hoping to bring communities together through arts and culture.  

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The Community Arts Fund plays a crucial part increasing the social role the arts play across Royal Greenwich, stimulating creativity and strengthening resident bonds.   

“Creativity and the arts bring communities together, and this is something we’ve already seen at events across the borough. We have seen so many talented people from all backgrounds put on a show and know the grant will provide even more opportunities for people to celebrate and display their talents. We’re excited to see how local groups will connect with community members so they can grow and develop their skills.” 

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Making sure arts and culture programmes are for suitable for everyone also means making sure the application is accessible and easy to complete. We have overhauled the process, streamlining the application form for exactly this reason. The form also has an option for community groups to talk through their projects after the initial application.   

“If you’re part of a group that provides arts and culture activities to residents in your community, visit our website to find out if you’re eligible to apply for a grant to fund your project.” 

The Community Arts Fund supports projects that: 

  • deliver new arts and cultural activity for local audiences 

  • encourage active participation in the arts by a diverse cross-section of the community. This should include young people, older people, and under-represented groups within the borough 

  • create participatory work in our town squares and outdoor spaces 

  • develop partnerships between local cultural organisations, networks, and groups 

  • encourage delivery of community-based arts and cultural programmes. 

Funding is available to support a range of arts, cultural and heritage activities. These include: 

  • music 

  • sound 

  • dance 

  • mime 

  • drama 

  • theatre 

  • storytelling 

  • creative writing 

  • poetry 

  • printmaking 

  • painting 

  • ceramics 

  • sculpture 

  • photography 

  • public art 

  • digital arts 

  • video 

  • media 

  • film and animation projects 

  • participatory outdoor arts and events. 

 

How to apply 

The fund is a rolling programme that awards its grants on a first come first served basis and may run out before the end of the financial year. 

Applicants should contact artsgreenwich@royalgreenwich.gov.uk to check if funding is available before completing the online application. 

To find out more and to apply, visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/community-arts-fund