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Highland Culture Fund Now Open For Grant Applications

30th May 2013

The Highland Culture Fund aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and visit by showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. In recognition of the significant contribution that the cultural sector makes to the continued economic and social prosperity of the area, The Highland Council has established a one-off grant fund of £100,000 to provide financial assistance to projects that support the on-going promotion of the Highlands and enhance the area’s programme of events, festivals and cultural activity. Grants of up to 50% of eligible costs and up to a maximum of £5,000 are available (although it is anticipated most awards will be significantly less than the maximum amount). The closing date for applications is 31st July 2013.

The Council is committed to the principle of equal respect for the Gaelic and English languages whilst also recognising the diversity of indigenous language and dialects within the Highland area. Within this context, applicants to the Highland Culture Fund are asked to consider how Gaelic can be integrated into the planning and delivery of projects and events.

These guidelines summarise the objectives of the Highland Culture Fund and set out the criteria that will be applied in reviewing applications. This will assist potential applicants to assess whether their project or event is in keeping with the overall aims of the Fund and help with the development of applications.

Aims & Objectives

The aims of the Highland Culture Fund are twofold:-

1) To provide opportunities for people across the Highlands to develop and participate in cultural events and projects within the area. This includes events and projects that contribute to or link with national initiatives such as Homecoming 2014, the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup etc

2) To support the implementation of the cultural strategy developed by the Highland Culture Strategic Board, "Highland Culture: Take Pride, Take Part" (available in the Current Documents section)

The objectives of the Fund are:-

1) To generate positive social and economic benefits for the Highlands by supporting the enhancement of the area’s programme of events, festivals and cultural activity.

2) To provide the opportunity to increase confidence, develop capacity and enhance the skills of individuals and organisations involved in promoting and developing cultural events and projects across the Highlands.

3) To support the work of community and cultural organisations in developing the creativity, talent and excellence of artists and performers based in the Highlands.

4) To support and help safeguard local heritage, culture and traditions and promote their place in the modern day Highlands

5) To support the work of Gaelic development agencies and initiatives in the aims of promoting Gaelic language and culture and increasing the number of Gaelic speakers.

6) To encourage young people to take part in cultural activities through their involvement in planning, choosing and participating in a diverse range of cultural projects and events.

Criteria

All projects or events must:-

1) Take place within the Highland Council administrative area

2) Meet at least one of the main themes and contribute to at least one of the cross-cutting themes of the "Highland Culture: Take Pride, Take Part" strategy

3) Be additional: either entirely new or significantly enhancing existing provision or planned work.

4) Relate to one or more of the following six strands of culture; arts, heritage, sport, language, environment, science.

5) Consider and maximise on opportunities to promote Gaelic language and culture.

6) Leave a positive legacy or have a positive impact and bring local social and/or economic benefits

7) Complement rather than compete with the work of existing organisations or artists working in the area.

8) Be sustainable beyond the year of funding if they are not intended as a one-off activity

9) Be able to contribute a minimum of 50% of eligible project costs in cash or in kind (match funding does not have to be confirmed when the application is submitted but must be in place before any award decision is made)

10) Be delivered no later than 31st December 2014.

Eligibility & Scope

1) Any constituted community group or cultural organisation may apply.

2) Only one application from an organisation will be accepted.

3) No applications will be accepted for an event or project for more than a one year period.

4) All grants must be claimed no later than 31st March 2015

5) Funding will not be available to support the existing on-going operational costs of an organisation or the existing on-going salary costs of an individual artist.

6) Assistance will not be available to substitute for support that has come to an end or has been withdrawn by other funding sources

For application forms ets go to -
http://www.highland.gov.uk/livinghere/communitiesandorganisations/voluntaryorganisations/fundingandassistance/culturefund.htm