Bury Culture Grants Programme Goes Live

Bury Council, in partnership with Bury VCFA, has opened a new £100,000 community funding pot to unlock extra opportunities for people to get involved in arts, culture and local heritage in Bury.

The funding was secured by Bury Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) under the Communities & Place element of the fund, after submitting proposals to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), which manages the fund in the city region.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available for Bury-based voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to support local people to explore and celebrate the art, culture, and heritage of Bury’s diverse communities. Ultimately showcasing Bury as having “Different Cultures, Same Horizons” in line with the borough’s cultural strategy.

Community groups, faith groups, charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups, clubs, and societies can all apply – by 5pm on 31 January 2024. For full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit: www.buryvcfa.org.uk/grants

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, said: “Culture and creativity is at the heart of the council’s Let’s Do It strategy. This funding, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is great news for residents and community groups in the borough. We hope that this funding will help us celebrate the very best of Bury: not just our great cultural assets but the diverse range of groups and organisations who use culture and heritage to improve the lives of residents across the borough, whether supporting creative health, bringing communities together or simply bringing joy and entertainment.”

Helen Tomlinson, chief officer of Bury VCFA, said: “Bury VCFA is thrilled to be working in partnership with Bury Council on this new grants programme. Culture and heritage are at the heart of Bury’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector: from recognisable institutions such as The Met through to small community groups celebrating the diverse heritage of our residents. This grants programme will provide a vibrant programme of activity and events across the borough enhancing the quality of life for local people.“

All applications to the fund must be for projects that are community-based and delivered within Bury. We are looking for projects that celebrate and document arts, culture and heritage in all their forms as well as celebrating the amazing people of our borough whether that’s drama and dance, traditional crafts, comedy or creative writing to name but a few. It is anticipated that the fund will be oversubscribed, and priority will be given to projects that create opportunities for underrepresented groups.

To support potential candidates, two “Meet the Funder” sessions to give an overview of the fund and the application process:

• Monday 11 December: 4-5 pm (Online) - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bury-culture-fund-meet-the-funder-event-tickets-767490844777?aff=oddtdtcreator
• Tuesday 9 Jan: 4-5:30 pm – In person at Bury Art Museum - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bury-culture-fund-meet-the-funder-event-tickets-767493161707?aff=oddtdtcreator