£110k of grants awarded to support Berwick’s creative and cultural sector

Projects and organisations that have already secured funding include Berwick Music Society, the Berwick Heritage Open Days steering group and a storytelling residency for schools at Berwick Library.

The Creative Action Fund is managed by Create Berwick, which aims to transform the town through culture-led regeneration.

Applications are now invited for round five of the Creative Action Fund, with grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 available.

Funding is available to support projects using any art form that involves community activity and supports the development of the town’s creative economy.

Create Berwick manager Andrea Oliver said: “Creative Berwick exists to support the growth of our town’s cultural sector and, in turn, attract more visitors, create jobs and make Berwick an even better place to live, work and visit – and the Creative Action Fund is a core part of this.

“The fund is here to support our creative community, from individual artists and musicians to members of our community groups and cultural venues, by helping people develop new skills, grow businesses, test new ideas and deliver projects.

“So if you have an idea or a project you think could be eligible for funding, we’d love to hear from you.”

To date, the Creative Action Fund has supported 29 projects including Berwick Music Society, which received a grant of £4,550. The society is now presenting its first season of concerts at venues across the town.

The Berwick Heritage Open Days steering group was awarded a grant to fund the production of a map, guiding visitors around Berwick’s Heritage Open Days Festival.

Linda Bankier from the steering group said: “This map has helped make Heritage Open Days more accessible and engaging for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between creatives, businesses and the community.”

A grant was awarded to fund a storytelling residency at Berwick Library, which is being delivered by Berwick writer and storyteller Chris Adriaanse.

The closing date for applications for round five of the Creative Action Fund is July 31 and more information is available online at https://createberwick.co.uk