A NEW fund that will help communities across the county celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June is being backed by Dorset’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff.
Applications are now open for grants of between £750 and £10,000 to help community and voluntary organisations celebrate the jubilee from Dorset Community Foundation in partnership with Arts Council England.
It is one of the network of community foundations supporting the Lets Create Jubilee Fund, a £5 million programme to develop creative and cultural activities as part of the celebrations next June.
The programme is made possible with funding from the National Lottery, whose players raise £30million for good causes every week. The fund’s distribution will be managed by UK Community Foundations on behalf of their 44 community foundation members across England.
Applicants will be able to apply for grants from £750 up to £10,000, and are encouraged to partner with established artists, creatives and cultural organisations to develop their activities, to ensure the Jubilee celebrations give people across Dorset the chance to experience the best of the country’s culture while also celebrating an important milestone in the nation’s history.
Angus Campbell, Lord Lieutenenant for Dorset, said: “This splendid Jubilee Fund is a tremendous initiative for us all. Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking, as it does, her 70 years of dedicated service to our country, the commonwealth, and indeed, the world, is the perfect opportunity to further stimulate and motivate the many creative talents present in our county.
“The fund will unlock and enable the artistic spirit of Dorset to participate fully in this ground-breaking event and should create a legacy, within the community, to be built on into the future. I congratulate the Dorset Community Foundation, which has done so much for us in so many ways, not least throughout the recent pandemic, for leading on this fantastic initiative for the benefit of us all.”
I congratulate the Dorset Community Foundation, which has done so much for us in so many ways
Dorset High Sheriff Michael Dooley, said the fund will help the county’s creative talent express itself as part of the celebrations. He said: “I am delighted to support this excellent opportunity for the people of Dorset to celebrate The Platinum Jubilee for 70 years of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. I would strongly encourage any group that is planning an event to acknowledge this wonderful anniversary to consider applying.
“Dorset is one of the corners of England that we all love, and I know with such a rich pool of artistic talent out there, we can really showcase this wonderful County to all. During my shrieval year I have been so pleased to work with the exceptional team at Dorset Community Foundation and I am thrilled it has been chosen as a partner by Arts Council England.”
Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “We’re very proud to partner with Arts Council England to deliver the Let’s Create Jubilee Fund.
“We look forward to working with local groups and artists who will create imaginative and innovative celebrations to mark this historic occasion, and strengthen cultural involvement and opportunities in their communities.”
Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley said: “We’re giving people across the country the chance to come together to experience the joy of culture and creativity in celebration of this historic milestone. With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee taking place alongside the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Festival and the Unboxed festival of UK creativity, next year is set to be a magnificent celebration of our nation’s artistic achievements.”
The fund open for applications until February 28. Applicants will be informed of the decision on their grant by April 1.
More details of eligibility and how to apply here.
Pictured above: Her Majesty the Queen and, right, Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Angus Campbell with Dorset Community Foundation trustee Deb Appleby
