Cultural Development Fund offers £20m for towns and cities in England 9 Jul 2018

The Government has fulfilled one of the commitments in its Industrial Strategy by launching a £20m development fund to invest in culture. Rather than investing in a specific venue or artform, the fund will go to geographical locations, including cities and towns in rural areas. Areas can bid for sums from £3m - £7m to fund a slate of cultural projects that will help regeneration and create jobs. Projects could include bringing historic buildings back into use, redeveloping museums and galleries and making spaces for creative businesses. Arts Minister Michael Ellis said “this fund gives more places the chance to harness the unique power of culture to regenerate communities, create jobs and boost tourism.” The Government hopes that this approach will help smaller towns replicate the success of Hull, which has created 800 new jobs since 2013 on the basis of its year as City of Culture. Calls for expressions of interest run until 15th August. The full applications process is open from 9th September - 19th October. Gov.uk, ACE (application process)