14 NOVEMBER 2006:  AS part of Harrogate Borough Council's plans to improve and promote the cultural life of the whole Harrogate district, a review of the way it offers grants was undertaken last year.

 

The review showed that events and organisations in the smaller towns and rural areas were desperately in need of a local funding stream.  The council set up its Arts and Heritage Grants Award earlier this year and sought nominations from around the district.

 

Grants totally £3650 have been awarded to seven community groups to help them deliver arts and heritage related projects in their local communities.  The groups are:

 

§         The Knaresborough Players

§         Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Brass Band

§         Knaresborough Youth Association

§         Renaissance Knaresborough

§         Nidderdale Community Arts

§         Harrogate Art; and

§         Harrogate Band

 

All projects and activities funded will take place this financial year. 

 

The grants will be awarded at a special ceremony being hosted by Councillor Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, who said:  "When we did the review, we were staggered at how much small communities could deliver in their own localities.  From pantomimes, poetry, plays and some of the best musical performances around, there is something going on every week.  Whilst these grants are not huge they will make all the difference to the organisers of these local events.  Those bringing art, culture and heritage to our communities need congratulating and our support.  We hope these grants will demonstrate our support for their work.

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  A presentation will be held on Tuesday 14 November at 1.00pm at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate, when the Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, Cllr Mrs. Pat Jones, will present certificates to representatives of the organisations successful in their grant applications to the 2006 awards.