The Spirit of 2012 has launched the Spirit of Achievement Arts and Culture Challenge Fund

The Spirit of 2012 has launched the Spirit of Achievement Arts and Culture Challenge Fund to increase the participation of disabled people in the arts and cultural activities across the UK.

Spirit of 2012 is an independent Trust, established with a £47 million endowment from the Big Lottery Fund to ensure the spirit that radiated from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games is felt across the UK.

Grants of between £100,000 and £250,000 are available to charities, voluntary and community organisations, Social Enterprises, and Community Interest Companies in the UK to create opportunities to enable disabled people to participate in arts and cultural activities, individually and with their families. Arts and cultural activities is meant in the broadest sense and can include visual art, craft, writing and literature, music, dance and performance arts.

Spirit uses the social model definition of disability which includes those with learning disabilities, mental health problems and long term life-limiting conditions.

Projects should:

·        Increase opportunities for disabled people to participate regularly in arts and cultural activities.

·        Provide opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people (particularly families) to participate in activities together.

·        Provide regular and sustained opportunities for participation (not one off activities).

·        Provide opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people to volunteer together to deliver those activities.

·        Provide disabled and non-disabled volunteers with training and skills that both ensure a high quality volunteering experience and boost employability.

·        Address a clearly identified and evidenced need, reflecting current public health priorities and including the views of potential beneficiaries.

·        Articulate a clear vision of how the project will impact beyond the life of Spirit’s funding.

International artist Rachel Gadsden (who sits on the Spirit of Achievement Panel) said:

“Without the kind of opportunities which the Challenge Fund is offering I wouldn’t have been able to be the artist I am today. I think it is really important that people like myself, who live with disabilities all of their lives, have the opportunity to live the most fulfilling lives. The Challenge Fund helps make that happen so is absolutely critical to everything I care about. I look forward to receiving the applications.”

The deadline for applications is 20 April 2015 (9am).

Full details can be found on the Spirit of 2012 website