Wandsworth’s Arts Team is hosting a series of free workshops to help local artists apply for council cash. The free sessions will introduce the council’s two arts funding schemes and explain the application process.

The next workshop, which lasts for around two hours, takes place at 12pm, Monday 10 August at Southfields Library, 300 Wimbledon Park Road. There is no need to book.

Wandsworth’s Small Grants Fund can be used to support new arts projects, existing projects or experiments with new work. For example, a grant could cover the cost of a rehearsed reading of a new script, or developing an outreach project to reach a new audience.

Individuals can apply for up to £500 and groups can apply for up to £1500. The grant can cover up to 70 per cent of project’s total costs. Fresh applications can be made every other month and residents can expect a quick response to their submission.

The Project Grants Fund is designed to help groups and organisations deliver high-quality innovative projects - especially ones that engage with new audiences.

This scheme supports projects that help create long-lasting artistic partnerships and teach participants new skills. Projects should have significant artistic merit, be inherently imaginative and must benefit the people of Wandsworth.

For project grants, individuals and organisations can apply for support between £1500 and £4000. The grant can cover up to 50 per cent of the overall budget.

The council has recently launched a new cultural strategy setting out a long-term commitment to encouraging and developing arts and culture in the borough. Wandsworth’s arts spokesman Cllr Paul Ellis said:
“Art has a unique ability to get people involved, encourage a sense of community and belonging and improve people’s lives. We want to help the residents of Wandsworth enjoy and participate in art, and achieve their potential.  Through these schemes we hope to support some truly inspirational, original art that will enrich the cultural life of Wandsworth and the people who live here.”