my community channel

Community Channel, Community Foundation and Voluntary Arts England are calling voluntary amateur arts or crafts groups and individuals in the North East to apply for grants if they are an existing arts or crafts group or setting up a new one.

The Partnership is awarding grants to help voluntary amateur arts or crafts groups get new members over 25 years-old with no formal qualifications or those living with a disability and/or long-term limiting illness, or from a Black Minority Ethnic community (specifically Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Chinese).

There are 50 grants available ranging from £400 up to £1000. Successful applicants will also be given a platform to show off their arts or crafts at a major venue in late July. This fun event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase voluntary amateur activities existing in the North East   to a wider audience. 
 



Application forms are available at www.communitychannel.org/arts  or by calling 0191 230 4464. The deadline for grant applications is Monday 11th June 2007.

Brian Bell, Campaigns Manager, Voluntary Arts England said: “When ordinary people like you and me have the chance to explore their creativity we discover all sorts of skills and talents we didn’t know we had. Voluntary arts or crafts is a great way to try something new, have a go and have some fun”.


Media enquiries:

Rachel Lailey, Press Officer, Community Channel, T: 0207 784 7908
E: Rachell@communitychannel.org

Brian Bell, Campaigns Manager, Voluntary Arts England, T: 0191 230 4465 / 0789 113 2966
E: brian@vaengland.org.uk

Notes to editors:

About Community Channel
Community Channel is dedicated to engaging audiences with the charitable and voluntary sector, showcasing stories and issues that inspire action and encourage involvement.  Broadcasting original shows, the best of terrestrial TV and showcasing the work of new directors and community programme makers, Community Channel is the place for real-life stories from communities around the world. The channel is a free-to-air TV station available to 16.5 million digital households in the UK. Around 1.2 million people tune in every month (source: BARB) and we receive more than 12,000 responses a week from viewers.

About Voluntary Arts England
Voluntary Arts England is a national body of the Voluntary Arts Network (VAN), which seeks to promote participation in the arts and crafts by supporting the development of the voluntary arts sector by facilitating the development of a strong infrastructure, strategic thinking, and good practice across the sector. VA England recognises the contribution of arts participation to the well-being of communities, social inclusion, lifelong learning, active citizenship and volunteering, and does research to support this.
www.voluntaryarts.org

About Community Foundation
The Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland aims to create a culture of giving that will change people’s lives. It helps to build stronger communities by encouraging local giving. We offer a cost-effective way for donors to make a long-term difference to the causes close to their heart. Through understanding of local issues, we make perceptive and well-targeted grants that secure the future for generations to come.
www.communityfoundation.org.uk