THE latest funding round to help local artists, young people and groups get creative is now open.
Financial support of up to £250 is available through Ards Borough Council’s small arts grant scheme to support local groups to build on their artistic activity, or become involved in new initiatives.
Grants are also available for individual artists to undertake training or residencies in order to further develop their artistic skills, as well as for young people living in the Borough who wish to undertake short-term or one-off youth arts training or development opportunities. 
Community Arts Development Officer with the Council, Amy McKelvey, is encouraging groups and individuals to take advantage of the opportunity. She said: “Our funding scheme is very open, with professional artists using grants to develop their skills and community-based groups benefiting from a chance to engage in an arts project, which can be anything from artist facilitated workshops to public talks and seminars.
“The main focus is to ensure a quality creative experience for participants and also for projects to have wider community benefit, for example an exhibition in the local library or community centre of the work created.”
Completed applications for projects taking place in January, February and March must be received by 30 November 2013.
For application forms or further information about the process or suitable arts activities, contact Ards Arts on 028 9181 0803.
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