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21/4/2009 - Window of opportunity opens for summer events to tap into cash

Cultural festivals and events held in Cumbria this summer have a new opportunity to tap into funding after Cumbria County Council has announced a new support fund for 2009-2010.

The Major Cultural Events Strategic Support Fund is a one-off scheme intended to stimulate cultural events and festivals in the county. Events in Cumbria can bid for a share of £150,000 allocated by the county council. The support is part of a £273,000 package, which includes funds allocated to the Cultural Olympiad programme leading up to the London 2012 Olympics and extra investment in event promotion and marketing, in partnership with Cumbria Tourism.

The Major Cultural Events Strategic Support Fund grants will be available to any Cumbria-based organisation and will be offered up to a maximum of £30,000 for up to 60% of the total cost of the event.

The organisers of cultural events and festivals in Cumbria are now invited to submit expressions of interest in the fund by completion of the Expression of Interest form by the 8 May 2009.

From the expressions of interest a short list will be drawn up of events and festivals which best meet the criteria and the aims of the funding. These bids will then be invited to submit a full application against which a final decision will be made - most likely in early June.

Cllr Barbara Cannon, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for adults and culture, said:

"This financial support will help offset the impact of the loss of sponsorship and business support that some events are experiencing during the current economic downturn. Attracting visitors to the county is a vital part of the Cumbrian economy - one pound in every six spent and earned in the county is down to tourism. Therefore it's important that the county council gets behind these events and supports them where it can."

Details of how to apply can be found at www.cumbria-artefacts.org.uk/projects/default.aspthis external link will open in a new window under the Countywide Projects drop down menu. 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332