FUNDING BOOST FOR COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECTS
Artist Orla Stevens received a micro grant towards her first solo exhibition at Macrobert.
Stirling creative groups and organisations wanting to make a difference in their local community should apply now for funding.
Two new rounds of Micro Grants have just been announced by arts and cultural partnership, Scene Stirling with eight awards of up to £500 available.
Half of the funding pot will be dedicated to Community Justice themed creative projects in a new collaboration with Stirling Community Justice Partnership; with the other half reserved for projects that support and sustain Stirling’s creative sector.
Manager of Scene Stirling, Kevin Harrison said: “As part of this latest round of grants we’re looking to fund four creative projects that involve people with experience of the criminal justice system, whether as offenders, their families, those on the periphery of the criminal justice system, witnesses or victims.
“We hope that the new funding will increase understanding of community justice, where people who have broken the law are held to account and supported to reconnect and contribute to their communities.
“This can include treatment for underlying issues such as drug or alcohol addiction, unpaid work, fines and compensation or restrictions of liberty such as electronic tagging and curfews.
“The evidence shows that community justice sentences can help people stop breaking the law again leading to fewer victims and safer communities.”
Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Gerry McGarvey added: “I’m glad that Stirling Council is playing its part in helping to change the image of Community Sentencing.
“Far from the negative connotations many have, it can make a big positive difference to people’s lives and their communities. It has the potential to reduce offending and create safer communities across Stirling.
“The arts have a long track record of success in community justice, helping people learn new skills and increasing their confidence, whilst promoting positive connections, promoting dialogue and promoting well-being with local people.
“This project will support Stirling’s thriving creative scene and shine a spotlight on the positive impact of this type of sentencing for individuals and communities.”
Previous Micro Grants recipients this year include:
artist Orla Stevens, towards creating new interactive artwork for a forthcoming solo exhibition at the Macrobert Arts Centre;
photographer David Grinly, to cover the costs of an upcoming installation with Stirling University Art Collection;
ceramicist Eilidh Weir, to develop a new product range for Buchlyvie Pottery;
singer songwriter Stephen McAll of Constant Follower, for a new professional microphone for a local recording studio.
Stephen McAll said: “I want to share the momentum generated with my music with other Stirlingshire artists and build a welcoming space in which musicians can be creative without the usual barriers such as cost and time limits.
“I would especially like to work with local young artists who can't afford commercial studios – giving them the leg up that I never got when I first started making music.”
Full details of how to apply for a Micro Grant can be found at scenestirling.com/calls-for-artists and an online Q&A session for creatives specifically interested in applying to the Community Justice fund will be held on Tuesday 30th August.