Ten cultural projects across the Harrogate district are celebrating grants from Harrogate Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage funding pot.
Each year , the council invites voluntary organisations, charities and community groups working to develop innovative projects in culture, arts and heritage in the Harrogate district to apply to a fund which this year had £17,000 available for these grants
The fund, which is administered by the council’s Culture,Tourism and Sports service, puts a special emphasis on enhancing the opportunities for young people to engage in cultural activity.
Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, said:
We look at projects that aim to widen audiences, to address barriers to participation, to build skills and to boost the local economy through cultural activities.
‘The Harrogate district has a rich cultural life and the council is committed to supporting the people and organisations that make this possible. We are especially pleased to be able to make awards to groups that are doing new work with our young people.
This year’s applications were assessed by a panel consisting of Councillors Caroline Bayliss and Pat Marsh and freelance Museums and Heritage Consultant Sara Mair.
The following grants were awarded this year:
Release the Hounds Festival was awarded £3,000 for a new festival it was felt could enhance the tourism offer, encourage new audiences and engage with young people.
Ripon International Festival was awarded £3,000 for what was recognised as a festival with a varied programme including free and low-cost events which would encourage a wider local audience as well as drawing in tourists from outside the district.
Nidderdale Visual Arts were awarded nearly £1,000 for an art recycling project.
Friends of the Valley Gardens in Harrogate were awarded £3,000 towards the next stage of their heritage project to restore the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and Peat Garden.
FEVA, the Knaresborough Arts Festival, was awarded £1,500 toward marketing costs.
Nidd Fest Ltd. was awarded £1,500 towards its nature literary awards for children and adults.
The Harrogate Rotary Club of Brigantes was awarded £550 towards a project engaging children with a professional composer and performance.
Masham Arts Festival was awarded £1,000 towards this year’s festival, that involves a wide range of the community and offers a variety of events.
Craft Aid International were awarded nearly £1,500 towards therapeutic craft workshop for people with disabilities.
Green Hammerton Recreational Charity was awarded £1,000 towards theatre and craft workshops celebrating the Yorkshire Grand Départ Tour de France 2014.
