Witney News - Supporting West Oxfordshire’s arts community

Supporting West Oxfordshire’s arts community

Almost £8,000 looks set to be shared out between 21 groups and projects that are working to create arts opportunities for people in West Oxfordshire.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet has recommended that grants ranging between £100 and £1,495 be given to groups and organisations that benefit the local community through arts projects and developments.

The funding will come from the Council’s Support for the Arts grant scheme for 2010/11, set up to support local groups in developing arts opportunities within the District. Recipients had to apply to the scheme and explain what the money would be used for and how it would benefit local people.

Successful applicants ranged from choirs and music groups, including Witney Music Society and Lower Windrush Choral Society, to dance and drama groups such as Acting Community Thingumybogs, Bartholomew Players and Dramascope Productions.

Diana Shelton, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Head of Leisure and Tourism, said: “West Oxfordshire has an active arts community involving many residents and the Council is pleased to support local groups and projects. We know that the funding is appreciated and helps to make a difference. In many cases, the Council’s support will enable groups to gain match funding from elsewhere, helping them to secure further financial help.”

Buford-based Cotswold Children’s Choir, which has 80 six to sixteen-year-old members, is set to be among grant recipients. It will receive £800 towards general costs which will help it to keep membership fees low and run activities such as workshops.

Rachel Burnell, treasurer and acting chair of the choir, said: “It’s great news and we’re very appreciative of the support. We try to keep costs down for children and parents so that it’s more affordable for local people, and this funding will help us to continue doing this. The children get so much enjoyment and when you see them singing, it really does make it all worthwhile.”

The Council has an Arts and Leisure development team which offers support and advice to all art groups and projects in West Oxfordshire. To find out more, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/arts or call 01993 861080.