Stockport residents who manage community groups, creative or cultural organisations, have the opportunity to apply for Town of Culture funding for 'new activities and projects'.

This means that non-goverment organisations can host their own Town of Culture events, providing an alternative to the flagship events such as Stockport Moves and Stockport Makes. 

Stockport Council has said: "We want community groups, creative and cultural enterprises, and other organisations to be able to deliver activities and initiatives which give our residents new opportunities to be active and creative and be part of our exciting Town of Culture year. 

"We want everyone to have the chance to enjoy new cultural experiences in the Borough linked to these four themes [Stockport Moves, Stockport Makes, Stockport Sounds and Stockport Tastes]."

There are three funding streams available, each targeted at different types of organisations and projects.

The first is the Stockport Town of Culture Community Fund, aimed at community groups across Stockport and intended for one off projects costing up to £500.

The second is Stockport Town of Culture Creative Commissions, aimed at creative practitioners, cultural organisations and venues based or working in Stockport Borough and is for programmes of activity where funding up to £5,000 might be required.

Thirdly and finally is the Stockport Town of Culture Strategic Projects stream. This is a strand of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aimed at established cultural and creative organisations based throughout Stockport Borough. 

It is for developing projects, initiatives and infrastructure that will have a legacy beyond Town of Culture. The projects should aim to 'strengthen social fabric and foster a sense of local pride and belonging'. Bids for this fund are likely to be in excess of £5,000. 

"We want as many people as possible to benefit from our time as Town Of Culture", said Cllr Frankie Singleton, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure at Stockport Council.

"We have a fantastic creative and cultural community in Stockport and this is a great opportunity to help us make this a year to remember, by involving our communities and giving people a chance to be part of something special and create a lasting legacy.

"I'm delighted that we are able to offer this funding and I look forward to hearing the proposals."

Those who wish to apply can find more information HERE.

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter