Disability groups win arts funding
Two arts projects have been awarded grants from a national body to allow them to continue their work with the disabled.
Shropshire Inclusive Dance and Disability Arts in Shropshire, both based in Shrewsbury won the grants from Arts Council England.
The money will allow them to develop their programmes of work with disabled and non-disabled people living in the county.
SiD will use the money for its new programme of inclusive dance called ‘Growing Together’.
The two-year programme will see the group develop its organisation, create two new dance pieces with inclusive dance company ‘Contact’ and expand its work with children and young people.
SiD’s co-directors, Rachel Liggitt and Ray Jacobs said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to continue our work in Shropshire and for the company to be acknowledged and supported in the work that we do.
"We are grateful to all our supporters, funders and friends of Shropshire Inclusive dance, this is a really exciting time for us."
Meanwhile Disability Arts in Shropshire has been granted £30,000.
Operations director Pauline Dower said the money would allow the group to grow and invest in training and development. "It is fantastic news," said Pauline. "It will enable us to continue working with children and young people and disabled artists. Some of the money will be used for courses in fundraising and will also be spent on bringing in external consultants to work with the board. This grant shows that Arts Council England have confidence in us and that we can deliver on that."
The grants were part of a £376,000 boost in the Midlands.
The investment comes from the Arts Council’s Catalyst Small Grants programme where 15 successful applicants from across the Midlands were awarded between £10,000 and £30,000.
Peter Knott, area director, Arts Council England, said: “Across the Midlands, arts and cultural organisations are working hard in securing new sources of income. To support this we launched our Catalyst programme, helping to support and develop long-term fundraising plans and increase private donations.
“Over the coming years, I'm looking forward to seeing this impact locally, delivering greater returns and helping our area's world-class arts and culture continue to thrive.”
