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

The grants range up to £20,000 per group 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 (UKSPF), and Bedfordshire Luton Community Foundation is administering the fund on behalf of the council.

A total Grow and Maintain Grant from the council’s UKSPF Culture Fund of just over £80,000 has been awarded by the council to support the following five organisations and projects:

• Flitwick Council Town - a creative heritage trail of memories of Flitwick 1930 -2024 £13,770

• Ampthill Council - Ampthill Almanac year of events £20,000

• Full House Theatre (and BIGG Theatre) a creative mentorship in children's theatre programming £19,919

• ACL Collective BIGG day out and Biggleswade library residency £13,800

• Dunton Community Gardens Arts and Community Craft Hub £15,791

Cllr Tracey Wye, Executive Member at Central Bedfordshire Council responsible for the UKSPF programme, 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.

“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.”

For more information about the UKSPF programme and cultural grants visit the website.