COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE being alerted to a new source of funding launched this week by national rail carrier ScotRail.
The Cultural and Arts Fund will be worth £80,000 to local communities with the first £40,000 being awarded to individual ideas or groups at the end of January.
Part of the ‘ScotRail in the Community’ scheme created by Abellio when they took over the ScotRail franchise, the fund is devoted to assisting local community initiatives, with applicants receiving grants up to a maximum £5000 to support and develop plans that fall in line with the Scottish Government’s cultural policy.
Charities, individuals and community groups and welcome to apply, with Elaine Bell, ScotRail’s head of corporate social responsibility, explaining: “This fund will create many opportunities for groups and individuals across the country and we want to see lots of eligible groups, big and small, applying.
“This could range from Brownies, Scouts and Parent Teacher Associations to ‘friends of’ groups and playgroups.”
Award recipients will be expected to use the funds to promote creativity, the arts, community recreation, sports themes and other cultural activity, as well as celebrate Scotland’s cultural heritage in its full diversity.
Public art, children’s play areas, sport outreach programmes and promotion of performing arts are among the projects which will be awarded funding.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government is working to ensure that everyone in Scotland has an opportunity to access, enjoy and participate in cultural activity. As well as bringing joy for their own sake, culture and the arts have the power to empower people and transform lives.
“Scotrail’s new Cultural and Arts fund will help communities all over Scotland take part in culture and the arts, enjoying the huge benefits they can bring.”
Individuals or groups wishing to apply or to learn more about the fund should visit www.scotrail.co.uk/cafund