Central Bedfordshire Council has awarded grants to ten organisations to support community arts projects, cultural events, and art development programs – promoting cultural engagement and stimulating economic growth within the creative sector. 

The grants range from £3,775 to £35,000 and will provide the resources needed to help artists and cultural organisations bring their visions to life, enriching the local community and strengthening the cultural sector in Central Bedfordshire. The programme is funded by the council together with government grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A total Creative Development Grant of £85,000 has been awarded by the council to support the following three organisations and projects:

• Full House Theatre, £35,000 - ‘Creative Pathways’ – professional development sessions and support for creative practitioners working with children and young people in Central Bedfordshire, including support for individual creative projects.

• Tangled Feet, £30,000 -  ‘Ignite!’ – a one-year project mentoring and training creative practitioners, supporting them to develop their own creative projects.

• Music 24, £20,000 - Professional development for community-based music practitioners, including masterclasses and mentoring. 

Additional grant funding of £48,132 has also been made available to pilot and test innovative ideas, or ways of working with partners and creative individuals, in the community. Seven awards were made to the following organisations: 

• Imajica Theatre Company CIC in partnership with Rushmere Country Park, £7000 - Creating British Sign Language inclusive outdoor theatre in partnership with three community groups, to be showcased at Rushmere Country Park.
• Imagination Dance CIC in partnership with Bigg Theatre, £3775 - Special educational needs and disabilities inclusive dance workshops in the summer holidays. 
• Lucas Keen, with support from Tangled Feet, £7500 - Introducing New Orleans Jazz and Second Line to Dunstable in partnership with Dunstable Library and the Death café.
• The Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth Remembrance Trust, £7430 -'SENsing Shuttleworth', a partnership project with special educational needs theatre experts Collar and Cuffs to increase accessibility of the collection including legacy work with Future Legend Media.
• ACL Collective in partnership with Houghton Regis, Ampthill and Biggleswade libraries, £7500 - A storytelling residency including an actor, puppeteer and theatre designer bringing their magic to libraries. 
• James Junior supported by Music 24 and hosted by Central Bedfordshire College, £7500 - ‘Singability’ – practical music sessions led by a professional performer for SEND students at Central Bedfordshire College to increase soft skills and confidence.
• The Greensand Trust with illustrator Rachel Presky, £7427 - ‘Oh deer!’ – a creative commission to engage the public in understanding the threats to the woodlands of the Greensand Country.

Cllr Mary Walsh, Chairman of the Local Partnership Committee and Executive Member for Planning and Waste said: “We are delighted to support our local cultural and creative organisations with this funding. These grants will empower our artists and cultural leaders to create inspiring work, attract visitors, stimulate local businesses and provide opportunities for residents to enjoy and engage with the arts. 

“Through an application process, we received 32 expressions of interest. The UKSPF funding is limited, but at a time when councils across the country are facing huge financial challenges, we’re very pleased to be able to support these fantastic projects that will entertain our residents and help foster a sense of pride in our communities.”