The fund seeks to put arts and culture at the heart of growth plans by: securing long term partnership between LEPs, the Arts Council and other local partners to support the cultural sector; helping to leverage European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) – particularly European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – investment within the LEP area into the cultural sector; and investing in new approaches to achieve these objectives, while at the same time developing learning that can inform policy and practice.
In order to ensure the greatest impact on economic benefit for arts, culture and the creative industries in England, we will focus this fund on LEP areas outside of London. This does not exclude organisations based in London from being part of partnerships delivering the activity described in applications, although the benefit must accrue outside the capital.
The geographical focus is designed to support the Arts Council’s intent that a minimum of 75% of National Lottery funding is committed outside of London. Our expectation is that 100% of this fund will be committed outside of London.
Applying to the fund
The deadline for applications for the Creative local growth fund is 16 October 2015. Activities must start no earlier than 1 April 2016 and end no later than 31 March 2019 and applicants may apply for projects that take place over a maximum period of three years, provided that they are completed by 31 March 2019.
Applicants can apply for between £150,000 (minimum) and £500,000 (maximum). This is to serve as match for funding, possibly for ESIFs. There is a particular reference to the ERDF, although our funding may also act as match funding for other ESIFs. The Arts Council grant cannot be the only source of match funding for funded activity.
Each application must be collaborative, for example, with one or more arts and/or cultural organisation working with LEPs and, potentially, other public sector bodies such as local authorities, further education colleges or universities. The lead applicant, as the accountable body, must be properly constituted.
Anyone thinking of applying must download and read the Guidance for applicants in full. You must speak with a designated member of staff about your proposal before submitting an application.
Guidance for applicants can be found here.
Applications can be made through the online application portal here.
For more information, visit: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-funding/apply-for-funding/creative-local-growth-fund/#sthash.b8tyLyOw.dpuf.