Applications are invited from third sector organisations for funding from the London Cultural Skills Fund. It aims to help those who want to contribute to the range of cultural activities taking place during the Cultural Olympiad, and to ensure that many more people can develop and gain skills in the arts and creative sectors. Applications from third sector organisations, particularly minority-led organisations, are welcomed, as are projects that will work with groups who are not usually involved in arts or cultural projects. The deadline for the last round of funding is 8 June.
e: 2012londonculturalskillsfund@artscouncil.org.uk
The South London Gallery (pictured) has raised £1.6m to restore a currently derelict neighbouring house and reopen it as an extension of the gallery, along with a purpose-built education studio. The three-storey house will double the current exhibition space, and the Clore Studio will more than quadruple current capacity for education and outreach activities.
w: http://www.southlondongallery.org
Construction work has begun on Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, which is scheduled to open in 2011. The Lyric has raised nearly £18m to fund the new building, but a further £1m must be raised during the construction period to fit out and equip the theatre. With nearly four times the floor space of the original theatre, the Lyric’s new home will consist of a 394-seat main auditorium and a 150-seat studio theatre, along with office space and other facilities.
w: http://www.supportthelyric.com
The European Cultural Fund, which aims to bring people closer together through cultural co-operation and creative activities, is inviting applications for its Artistic Project Grants. The grants are available to cultural organisations and to individual artists, but must include partners from other eligible European countries. Artistic uniqueness and European relevance of projects are vital. The deadline for applications is 31 July.
w: http://www.eurocult.org
An application by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) to the Higher Education Funding Council for England for support for a new centre for performance, training and education in the performing arts has been approved. The grant will enable GSMD, the Barbican Arts Centre and the London Symphony Orchestra to create a new Barbican Campus.
The Opera and Music Theatre Forum has commissioned a major survey of the small- to mid-scale opera sector, in order to help this artform make the best use of resources and to inform policy-makers and funders. Phase One of the research (February–June 2009) will be an initial mapping of the producing opera and music theatre sector, and Phase Two (September–December 2009) will explore the issues arising following debate at a conference to take place in the summer.
w: http://www.omtf.org.uk
A new website has been launched by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations to help charities and third sector organisations to survive the recession. It contains news about the sector, cost-saving tips, advice on how to keep your job, and suggestions on how to fundraise during an economic downturn.
w: http://www.recessionsupport.org.uk/main
The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union has launched a student scheme to encourage a better understanding of the world of work, and help graduates approach work with more confidence. Registration to the scheme is free, and benefits include a regular e-newsletter covering topics such as contracts, health and safety, tax and work experience.
w: http://www.bectu.org.uk
The Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund has allocated just over £2m to be shared between the 12 festivals during 2009/10. £250,000 of this will go to the Art Festival over two years, to establish a commissioning fund for new work by Scottish-based artists. The work will then be premièred to an international audience at next year’s festival. The planned expenditure for the Edinburgh Festivals Expo fund is £6m over three years to 2011/12.