City of York Council's community arts team, Arts Action York, is offering grants of up to £1,500 for community art projects in the city.

A total fund of £10,000 will be distributed this year and the grants are available to not-for-profit groups with their own bank account.

There are two rounds of applications, with the next deadline for submissions on 10 September.

The grants aim to:
- help people enjoy good physical and mental health through art
- use art to develop pride and pleasure in the environment
- celebrate diverse cultures and communities in the city
- develop creative expression for everybody and promote lifelong learning through the arts
- encourage local people to enjoy and participate in cultural activities
- promote economic wellbeing and increase work opportunities for artists

Priority is given to projects that:
- identify a need and/or local support
- are clearly planned to make an impact and help meet this need
- are planned to ensure high artistic quality
- have a realistic budget and management and system.

Emily Harvey, arts and festival manager for the council, said: "The aim of the funding is to help local communities and the wider city through art. We know that there are already some great art projects in York and we hope that the grants will help develop this area of expertise even further."

To request an application form, please contract Dominic Berry by emailing artsaction@york.gov.uk or telephoning 01904 554665.