Still time to apply for Borough of Culture projects funding

Article date: 2 May 2023

They can benefit from funding like some of the first successful applicants. Liam Thompson has been awarded funding from the Reside grant scheme.

Liam said: "I was motivated to apply for the grant after exhibiting one of my puppets at the Reside* exhibition at The World of Glass last month. When I saw the Reside* grant advertised a few days later I recognised the name. I no longer listen to that negative 'what if' voice. If an opportunity is placed in front of me now I embrace it.

"I was dumbfounded when I found out I was successful, I really couldn't believe I'd been selected. It was the first time I'd ever applied for anything like this and it strengthened my self-belief as an artist. I'm very proud to have been selected and have shared the news with everyone I meet.

"It was so great to meet the other successfully commissioned artists, I wasn't sure what to expect when I turned up but I was so warmly welcomed I immediately felt at ease. Getting to hear the others speak about their work and listen to their proposals was really inspiring. I'm so excited to see their work come to life and I could even envisage some future collaborative work.

"My advice to anyone else thinking of applying to any of the other grants still open is to just go for it. There will never be a better time than now. Read through the pack and seek out the advice and help that's there for you."

Anyone who has an idea for an event that can bring our communities together can apply for up to £2,500 from the St Helens Borough of Culture Open Grants Scheme, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The deadline for applications for this fund has been extended to midnight on Monday 8 May.

Groups may also be eligible for funding of up to £250 from the Harry and Mavis Pilkington Foundation Fund Grant scheme. This scheme is open until Monday 5 June.

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Communities and Culture, said: "St Helens Borough of Culture is here to bring our communities together and also to shine a light on the talent we have in our borough. It was great to meet some of the first artists who have been successful in applying for grant funding. But culture takes in many forms and so we really do want to encourage any community groups or residents who want to host events to get in touch as they may just be eligible for funding. There is support for anyone who may not be sure whether they can apply and interested parties are encouraged to get in touch for help, especially those who have not applied for funding before."

A further round of Reside* commissions will be announced in due course.

To get help applying for the Open Grant scheme email JamesValentine-Burrows@sthelens.gov.uk and for the Harry and Mavis Pilkington Foundation Fund email cathshea@sthelens.gov.uk.

Funding for St Helens Borough of Culture year is supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Arts Council England.

To find out more and apply visit https://www.culturesthelens.co.uk/article/7060/Get-Involved