Government funding reopens for local creative and cultural industries

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) will help to support the Covid-19 recovery of the cultural and creative industries across the borough. A total of £1 million is available across South Yorkshire, with £450,000 specifically for Doncaster.

First wave applications closed late November to allow time for review, with a second wave opening from 9 December until Sunday 9 January 2022.

Cllr Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Culture and Planning, said: “The funding will help safeguard creative and cultural individuals, organisations and businesses in Doncaster by enabling new creative projects and programming new work that will create vibrancy in local towns and villages.”

The grant has been created specifically to help start-ups, micro and Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) in the borough, to adapt and overcome setbacks following the impact of Covid-19. The funding ranges from micro grants of £5,000 to large grants of up to £40,000.

Applications must also outline how their proposals will contribute to the borough’s Great 8 Priorities and 6 Wellbeing goals.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “There is no doubt that South Yorkshire is home to a wealth of creative talent.  The arts, culture and heritage sectors have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic and investing in these areas is an essential part of their recovery and renewal.

“If supported and nurtured, the Creative Industries can help drive growth in our region and realise untapped potential. Culture adds colour to people’s lives and I hope this funding will help make our region a great place to live, study, work, visit and invest in.”

Businesses can apply for the second wave of applications through the Doncaster Council website until Sunday 9 January 2022.