04/11/2004
An initiative to promote economic development and rural regeneration through the arts in Devon has won over £500,000 in European grant funding.
Devon Artsculture is a dynamic creative arts development programme aimed at providing financial and business support for creative practitioners in areas of Devon which qualify for European grant funding.
Devon Artsculture has been initiated and organised by a partnership of Devon County Council, Dartington Plus and Beaford Arts, with support from Arts Council England and the European Regional Development Fund. Anyone involved in the creative arts who lives or works in the South Hams, North Devon, Torridge or West Devon will potentially be eligible for support through the Devon Artsculture programme.
Those benefiting will include small businesses, start-ups, individuals and creative freelancers within rural Devon. Support will range from business skills development including IT, marketing and public relations to links with industry and developing new markets by providing a wider platform for local practitioners‘ work through art fairs, seminars and out-of-region promotion.
A programme of events has already been organized, including an open meeting for artists at the Ariel Centre, Totnes on Monday 8 November. In addition, Devon Artsculture is in the process of recruiting Project Officers, a Project Administrator and a Communications Officer.
Dartington Plus is a partnership between The Dartington Hall Trust, King Edward VI Community College and University College Falmouth – incorporating Dartington College of Arts. Funded by Arts Council England