A grant funding programme is to be created to support arts and creative industries in Powys after the council secured £675,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

Powys County Council’s Arts Service has secured the funding, which is aiming to support arts and culture organisations across the county with the programme aiming to focus on transition and resilience.

It is anticipated that the grant programme will encourage collaborative working between arts organisations. Funding will be awarded for a range of activities such as reviewing business and developing operating models.

The service was also awarded a further £221,750 from the fund at the end of 2023, which will be used to support a project team to work with arts and culture organisations. The aim will be to use the StoriPowys.org.uk website to provide Powys’ creative industries with one platform to promote arts and culture activities and events, alongside opportunities for freelancers to advertise their skills.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “We recognise that the cultural sector plays a significant role in providing jobs in Powys, as well as contributing to the economic vitality of the county’s communities, towns and villages.

“Grants will be awarded to organisations in order that they can expand their sustainability and resilience in the difficult financial circumstances that many now find themselves.”