Applications for proposals to help young people across York and North Yorkshire to benefit from arts, culture and heritage activities are now open.
Developed by City of York Council, supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Cultural Passports for Young People provide funding opportunities for arts, culture and heritage organisations wishing to deliver activities through the programme.
Organisations can access funding guidance, submit grant applications and stay up to date with key application dates and programme information using the dedicated website - www.culturalpassportyork.co.uk - with the first phase for applications closing on Monday 24 August.
The Cultural Passport grant programme aims to give young people aged 11 to 18 from target communities, free access to a wide range of creative and cultural experiences across the region. By removing financial barriers and connecting young people with inspiring opportunities, the programme encourages creativity, builds confidence and improves access to York and North Yorkshire's rich creative and cultural offer.
The launch follows the successful conclusion of the Cultural Passport pilot projects, during which hundreds of young people took part in a diverse programme of free activities including filmmaking, pottery, reading and writing, theatre, music and rap workshops, sculpting and much more.
Activities were delivered in communities across York, Bedale, Risedale, Skipton, Scarborough, Ripon, Tadcaster and many other locations throughout the region, ensuring young people from a wide range of backgrounds had the opportunity to discover new interests, develop creative skills and build confidence through participation in the arts.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said:
The aim of the Cultural Passport programme is to energise and inspire young people and open doors into a creative world that would otherwise be closed. We are looking for projects that enable them to discover new skills, allow their imaginations to flourish and open opportunities for a life, and possibly a career, immersed in culture. We have some incredible, creative individuals and organisations across the county and would urge as many people as possible to put forward proposals.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
From our rich heritage to our thriving arts scene, there's no better place in the world to enjoy culture than right here.
"By removing financial barriers through the Cultural Passport, we are helping young people discover everything their county has to offer.
"The pilot proved just how much talent and enthusiasm we have, and I want more of our brilliant cultural organisations to apply so we can expand these opportunities."
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, said:
The benefits of arts and culture are well-known and enrich our communities in North Yorkshire, bringing a boost to our economy and helping improve health and wellbeing.
“This is a great opportunity to get young people more involved in arts, culture and heritage activities which could inspire them to follow a career in the sector.
“I would urge organisations which are hoping to deliver activities through the programme to submit an application for funding to ensure that our cultural and arts sector in North Yorkshire becomes even more vibrant and diverse.”
Insights gained through the pilot have helped identify the needs and interests of young people, while providing valuable evidence to shape future investment and ensure the programme reaches those who face the greatest barriers to accessing arts, culture and heritage.