£80K CULTURAL FUND TO BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITIES

ScotRail recently launched a new Cultural and Arts Fund, worth £80,000 to local communities across Scotland.

The Fund will award £40,000 by the end of January 2016, followed by £10k each quarter until January 2017.

As part of the ‘ScotRail in the Community’ scheme created by Abellio ScotRail when it took over the franchise, the Cultural and Arts Fund will be devoted to community initiatives.

Applicants can receive grants up to a maximum of £5,000 to support and develop their plans in line with the Scottish Government’s cultural policy*.

Charities, individuals and community groups and welcome to apply.

Elaine Bell, ScotRail’s head of corporate social responsibility, said: “This fund will create many opportunities for groups and individuals across the country and we want to see lots of eligible groups, big and small, applying. This could range from Brownies, Scouts and Parent Teacher Associations to ‘friends of’ groups and playgroups.”

 Award recipient will be expected to use the funds to promote creativity, the arts, community recreation, sports themes and other cultural activity, as well as celebrate Scotland’s cultural heritage in its full diversity.

Public art, children’s play areas, sport outreach programmes and promotion of performing arts are among the projects which will be awarded funding.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government is working to ensure that everyone in Scotland has an opportunity to access, enjoy and participate in cultural activity. As well as bringing joy for their own sake, culture and the arts have the power to empower people and transform lives.

“Scotrail’s new Cultural and Arts fund will help communities all over Scotland take part in culture and the arts, enjoying the huge benefits they can bring.”

To apply, or to read more about the Fund, please visit www.scotrail.co.uk/cafund