In its inaugural year, the initiative welcomed over 5,400 participants to more than 300 events, exhibitions, performances and workshops across the whole district. Remarkably, over 1,500 people took part in an arts activity for the first time.
Led by East Herts Council in partnership with the Community Alliance, Arts in East Herts will take place in September and October, aiming to grow even further this year by supporting artists, craftspeople and arts organisations in delivering their own cultural activities. From visual and performing arts to artisan crafts, galleries, museums and heritage sites – all are encouraged to take part.
To support this, East Herts Council has launched a grant scheme offering up to £1,000 to support the running costs of one-off events or a series of taster sessions, performances or creative workshops.
Applications can now be made via the council’s website and must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 20 July.
Jonathan Geall, Director for Communities at East Herts Council, said:
“Last year’s programme was a celebration of creativity – from poetry to circus drawing, musical theatre to heritage crafts – offering something for everyone in the district’s towns and villages. What stood out most was the way it sparked a cultural connection in so many first-time participants. We’re thrilled to bring it back and look forward to seeing the initiative grow even further this year.”
Arts in East Herts is funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) that proactively supports delivery of the UK government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.
For more information and to apply for a grant, visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/arts-east-herts
