Arts funding

A "unique opportunity" to create art that will be seen by millions is on offer in North East England.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus is commissioning artists to create large-scale works for the inside of its 46-train fleet.

Project grant funding from Arts Council England (ACE) has enabled what is believed to be a world first - a permanent commission within a new train.

"This is a great opportunity for a number of different artists to produce exciting work reflecting the heritage and diversity of the region," ACE Director North Jane Tarr commented.

Applications close February 28.

Community groups may soon be able to take over a theatre at risk of closure.

Thurrock Council has changed its position on selling the Thameside Complex, which contains a library, museum and Thameside Theatre.

It now says handing the theatre over to campaigners is the best option.

Sam Byrne of the Save Your Thameside Campaign said "we have a long way to go".

"We are pleased that the people of Thurrock's voices have been heard. However, this is not a done deal by any means.

"If the community were able to take the Thameside Complex on, the financial support from the council for this transformational project would have to be right to ensure its success."

The Welsh Government has made another £10.1m of Culture Recovery Fund money available to organisations affected by recent restrictions.

The £15.4m scheme, which includes £5.25m in winter stability funding, is open for applications via the Arts Council of Wales today (January 12).

Events are currently capped at 30 people indoors and 50 outdoors, two metres' social distancing is required in public and where possible at work, and the rule of six applies to any group visiting a theatre, gallery, museum or cinema.

Eligibility for the fund hinges on demonstrating a financial loss since December. The arts council's Chair Phil George acknowledged arts organisations "are facing a period of serious financial challenge".

"We are determined to ensure that arts and cultural organisations who play a key role in the wellbeing of communities across Wales will be able to bring solace, delight and vision as we struggle with the pandemic and as we recover and rebuild. The need for this support has obviously become even more urgent as a result of the impact of the Omicron variant.”

A new funding opportunity supporting digital art is live in Northern Ireland.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s (ACNI) Organisations Digital Evolution Awards is aimed at those making digital art for the first time or working with digital technology they have not used previously.

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000, with £40,000 available in total. Applications are open until February 14, with decisions expected by April 4.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the council's Creative Industries Officer if they wish to discuss the eligibility of their project concepts.

“This programme reflects the arts council’s commitment to encouraging innovative practices that cross artform boundaries and build digital capabilities within the Northern Ireland arts sector,” Chief Executive Roisin McDonough said.

Worcester City Council has restored direct funding for the arts following a campaign by the Worcester Arts Council.

The local authority gave a £3,000 annual grant to the council until 2018, when it decided instead to run a community grants scheme in house.

It has now returned to funding Worcester Arts Council with the support of city council Chief Executive David Blake and council leader Marc Bayliss.

Worcester Arts Council estimates 5,000 people benefitted from its small grants programme in the year preceding the pandemic.

“I am delighted that Worcester Arts Council can once again support local arts organisations," Chairman George Squires said.

£585,000 is being sought to upgrade The Harris in Preston.

Preston City Council plans to ask Arts Council England to part fund Harris Your Place, its £10m refurbishment programme. £4.5m has already been recieved from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The museum, art gallery and library needs new lighting, signage, heating and ventilation, the council says.

Works would allow the building to host larger exhibitions and loans from major institutions.