A new £300,000 fund is being launched in Greater Manchester to support freelancers and smaller organisations working in music and the arts.
Photography, literature, heritage projects and visual arts are some of the cultural groups who could benefit from individual grants of between £500 and £2,000.
Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, reports have shown the level of investment and support for freelancers, independent creatives, artists, musicians and performers across the arts could be improved, with many freelance artists leaving the sector.
The investment, funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will be administered by Salford CVS (Community and Voluntary Services) and allow freelancers and small organisations to apply for funding over the next three years.
Applications are encouraged from independent artists, musicians and small creative arts organisations from across Greater Manchester.
Cllr Neil Emmott, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Lead for Culture, said:
“I am pleased to see investment in cultural organisations and individuals secured for the future.
“2023 was a hugely challenging year for the delivery of cultural plans and projects. It’s crucial for our communities across Greater Manchester that we see tangible support for grassroots creative and cultural sectors.
“There’s so much creativity and ingenuity in our towns and cities and the Inspire fund is here to ensure we are investing in culture and everything it has to offer.”
