Arts Funding Scheme Launched in Plymouth

A new scheme to enable young people to lead their own creative projects has been launched in Plymouth. New Wave is inviting young people in the city to apply for small grants of between £50 and £1500 from today until 28th March 2014.

New Wave is run by the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) as part of their brief as the Arts Council Bridge Organisation for the South West. The scheme aims to support those aged 5 - 25 in using their creativity to realise the projects that they want to see in the city.

Successful applicants are expected to match any funds awarded to them by New Wave with money from elsewhere. This could be through selling tickets, finding sponsorship, crowd-funding or any other means. The hope is that this will develop entrepreneurial skills in the cultural leaders of the future.

Lindsey Hall, Director of RIO said, "We are really excited about New Wave and the opportunity it gives young people to set up and run their own creative event or activity. Plymouth has a wealth of brilliant cultural organisations who get young people started, develop their skills and support them into raining and work. New Wave helps them take the next step and bid for funds to run their first independent project."

Projects can range from theatre to photography, poetry to sculpture and visual art to film; the team are looking to be inspired by the artistic vision of Plymouth’s young people.

More information about New Wave can be found at http://bridge.realideas.org or by getting in touch with Tom Nicholas at tom.nicholas@realideas.org