Cultural fund encourages local communities to get involved in Glasgow 2018
A fund has opened for groups in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and West Dunbartonshire that want to produce cultural and arts activity for a new festival in and around Balloch, as part of Festival 2018 – the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.
Applications to produce ambitious and diverse cultural events and activities to run alongside the sporting action are invited from all art-forms including music, carnival, visual art, theatre, dance, film, literature and performance.
The Festival 2018 Our Place Fund is investing £10,000 in community groups across the area, with funding ranging from £100 to £2,000 available to create cultural events and arts activities which celebrate the people and talent in the local area. This could include activities such as street theatre, music or dance performances, art installations, sports or any other cultural or arts event which promotes the work of local community groups.
The event supported by the Our Place Fund will take place on the 11th August 2018 in and around Balloch and funding can be used to cover expenses such as equipment costs, transport, costumes and rehearsal space.
Glasgow 2018 – the biggest sporting event to take place in Scotland since the best ever Commonwealth Games – will unite sport and culture throughout the Championships from 2nd to 12th August 2018.
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park will stage the European Open Water Swimming Championships at Drumkinnon Bay at Loch Lomond from 8th to 12th August, giving sports fans an opportunity to see some of the best aquatics stars on the continent take to the iconic waters of Loch Lomond – for free.
Drumkinnon Bay, Balloch
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 22nd March, after that it will be up to the local community to decide which activities they would like to see on their doorstep.
Residents will be able to vote online and in person by using a ballot box located in the foyer of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park headquarters, Carrochan, Carrochan Road, Balloch, G83 8EG, for their favourite proposals to help shape Glasgow 2018’s cultural programme.
Glasgow 2018 Championships Director Colin Hartley said: “Glasgow 2018 promises to be one of the most exciting sporting and cultural events ever experienced in Scotland and there will be something for everybody to enjoy.
“We want as many people as possible to be part of this historic event – the first-ever of its kind – and this funding gives local communities the chance to create their own special moments during the Championships. Local groups can seize this opportunity to play a part in the action-packed cultural programme that is shaped by the people that live here.”
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said: “We can’t wait to host the Open Water Swimming Championships here in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in August. The Our Place Fund is a great way for local groups to have the chance to be part of this exciting event and we’re looking forward to receiving applications from a wide range of projects that not only entertain people but also celebrate our community.
“Festival 2018 is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on local talent and showcase everything Balloch and surrounding area has to offer.”
To find out more and to apply for funding please visit: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/park-authority/how-we-can-help/funding-grants/festival-2018-place-fund-loch-lomond/