5 March 2008

Local arts, play, sports, community and partnership projects are set to benefit from over £600,000 worth of grants thanks to Guildford Borough Council.

Councillor Jen Powell, Lead Councillor for People and Partnership, says: "Our grants scheme gives financial assistance to a variety of organisations and individuals from local community groups to young people with outstanding sporting or artistic ability. The funding helps to provide much needed equipment, improve facilities and encourage more residents to get involved in arts, play and sport."

A variety of local organisations and individuals applied for community and other grants.

• Guildford Archery Club, Watts Gallery and Normandy Bowling Club will share a total of £64,530 from the Community Partnership Fund.
• Ten local schemes including Fairlands Community Association, East Horsley Village Hall and Kane FM Radio will share Community and Youth Project funding worth over £31,000.
• A total of 29 arts organisations, 10 play schemes, 13 sports groups and 48 talented individuals will get a support from £56,000 worth of grants.
• A further ten local organisations will receive Service Level Agreement grants of over £446,000. This includes the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, which will receive a grant of nearly £335,000 to help support their programme of theatre and educational events.

Commenting on the grant, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Director, James Barber, says: “We are extremely pleased that the Council recognises not only the contribution that Guildford’s theatre makes to the quality of life in the borough but also appreciates the very considerable economic impact it has on the town".

For more information on Council grants for arts, play, sports and community projects, visit the leisure pages and community pages pages or call Mike Beckwith, Leisure Strategy Officer on 01483 444703.