Stalybridge has been awarded the status of Greater Manchester Town of Culture in 2022, and to ensure the local community and its many schemes and initiatives are bolstered by the accolade, a new community grant fund has been launched to support activities and events in the town.

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The town’s community groups are now welcome to apply for a grant that could help them fund an event, initiative or project that benefits the wider community.

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A key focus for the grants will be allocated for projects that enable people to slow down, connect with the local environment and celebrate Stalybridge’s cultural value. As such, proposals submitted for grants must fit with the themes that were put forward in the Town of Culture bid, including:

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• Slow Food – events and activities linked to for instance community orchards, doorstep growing, allotments, recipes, food waste
• Slow Making – events and activities linked to knitting, embroidery and other crafts
• Slow Art – events and activities linked to storytelling, artist led creations, music, exhibitions, conversations, performance, dance, writing and literature
• Slow down - events and activities linked to the town’s heritage, it’s surrounding landscape and town centre such as talks, trails, walking and cycling.

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The Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme celebrates the distinctiveness of one town each year, selected from the ten districts of Greater Manchester.  It provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the unique culture of towns across Greater Manchester, as well as to raise local ambitions for cultural provision, a night-time economy, and increase pride in a place.  This accolade was awarded to Stalybridge’s bid because it highlighted the distinctive creativity and diversity of the Tameside town, and it put a spotlight on the remarkable art, culture and heritage that exists in the town.

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Groups can apply for a grant of up to £500 to assist with events, activities and projects that link to the slow down theme, and must engage people beyond their existing membership networks.

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The funds can be used to cover the costs of speakers, arts/crafts, running workshops, developing a play or a film, or any other reasonable costs for holding an activity or event.

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This funding is only available this year and all activity must take place in Stalybridge in 2022 and form part of the Town of Culture programme.  The programme is open to all Tameside residents and community organisations based in the borough.   Applications will be accepted until 1 October 2022 (but may close sooner if the fund is exhausted).

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Download and fill in the application form HERE.  If you have any queries about the application form or application process, please email events@tameside.gov.uk

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