Local creative groups and individuals can apply for funding for activities that drive footfall to Ashton-Under-Lyne town centre.

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Ashton-Under-Lyne’s creative community has been under the spotlight recently, as Tameside Council has been celebrating the town’s diverse talent as part of its wider activity to make Ashton a Creative Improvement District.

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As part of the new focus on creativity for Ashton, and to make the best use of the funding secured from the GMCA administered UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Tameside Council has announced the launch of Creative Communities Grants for local groups and individuals to apply for - and applications are open for 2024/25!

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The Creative Communities Grants scheme aims to create an exciting and diverse programme of cultural activities for Ashton. They will focus on creativity, bringing people into the town centre and celebrating new or existing creative events within the town.

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Project proposals from groups and individuals must:

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● Take place in Ashton Town centre.

● Be a creatively led activity or event

● Encourage more footfall to the town centre.

● Be inclusive and engage with a broad audience.

● Offer opportunities for artists and creatives to be employed as part of

the activity/event.

● Increase pride and participation in Ashton

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Funds secured can be used to cover the costs of speakers, arts and crafts materials, running workshops, developing a play or a film or any other reasonable costs for holding an activity or event that bolsters creativity in Ashton, creates community involvement and drives footfall to the town.

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This funding is available until the end of March 2025, or earlier if the funding runs out. The programme is open to all but will favour local Tameside residents, creatives and organisations.

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In 2022, Tameside Council secured funding for a number of community grants in Stalybridge as part of its GM Town of Culture activity, which was a huge success. The grants funded activities from writing workshops to local theatre performances and helped to raise the profile of the creative community and talent within Stalybridge, while championing the heritage and culture of the town.

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You can find the application form and all terms and conditions for Ashton’s Creative Communities Grants at the link below. If you have any queries about the application form or application process, please email events@tameside.gov.uk