The Community Arts Fund supports local organisations across the borough to deliver new arts and culture activity for local communities. These community-based organisations will engage a wide range of community members in the arts, particularly young people, older people and under-represented groups within the borough. This year’s programme will provide £50K in funding to nine organisations to put on events and activities to help increase access to the arts throughout the borough.

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “At the Royal Borough of Greenwich we’re committed to developing networks with communities and key partners to address local needs together. The Community Arts Fund is an excellent opportunity to bring residents and communities together and reach those who may not have the chance to take part in arts and culture otherwise.

“Engaging in the arts brings so many wellbeing benefits for our residents from reducing stress and increasing relaxation to meeting new people.

“We know there is so much artistic talent in the borough, and we are excited to partner with these groups to engage even more people with the arts and bring out the creative spirit and hidden artists within our community.”

Learn about the projects:

• Age UK Bromley & Greenwich – Sherard Road Creative Collective: Creative art workshops ranging from Batik to embroidery and stained glass, ending with an exhibition displaying artworks made by local residents.
   
• Greenwich Winter Night Shelter – Pottery Workshops at Greenwich Winter Night Shelter Day Centre: A series of pottery sessions followed by an exhibition at Greenwich Winter Night Shelter Day Centre, Middle Park Avenue.
   
• Power Mobile Gym – Woolwich Common Fete: A celebration of the Windrush generation, and the history of carnival in Woolwich Common Community Centre on Saturday 29 September 2023 from 1pm. The event will include workshops, poetry, music, storytelling, Caribbean food and arts.
   
• TARU Arts – Samba Troupe: A 12-week community samba drumming group workshop for all ages, with no experience required, to learn and play Brazilian-style drumming and perform at local events over the Christmas period.
   
• UK Latin Community CIC – Latin Expo: A celebration that highlights and honours the Latin American community with traditional dance, music, food, interactive workshops and folkloric activities in Woolwich Works.
   
• Young London Print Prize – Young London Print Prize: A series of printing workshops in schools to enter a competition which will be exhibited at Woolwich Contemporary print fair.
   
• Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School – Performing Arts Access for Children: Performing arts workshops for children and young people with two community performances.
   
• Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich – Benin Cultural Theatre Play: A series of community theatre workshops based on the Benin Kingdom Live Theatre Play for local residents to take part in and final live performances to enjoy.
   
• Everyone’s A Singer CIC – Reggae & Soul Jam: Deepening Community: A series of workshops to learn to sing and write music inspired by ska, reggae, soul, afrobeats, R&B and pop, followed by a performance in Cutty Sark.

Keep an eye out for the full calendar of events put on as part of the Community Arts Fund at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/community-arts-fund