AN organisation is offering grants of £500 for creatives in a borough to help promote the arts.

Darlington for Culture (DfC) is offering its Small Grants Scheme (SGS) for projects that would benefit the borough's residents, which can either be ‘live’ or online.

The organisation's committee member and scheme manager Julie Vickerman said: “It’s exciting to be able to support the arts in Darlington, especially at this challenging time.

"If you have a passion for the arts, music, acting, painting etc and have an idea or project that can benefit you and the people of Darlington then we would love to receive an application.”

The SGS was set up in 2017 with £5,000 provided by a local business. During the past three years the scheme has helped more than 25 organisations and supported arts activities including theatre and exhibitions, comedy and poetry events, workshops and a wool market, jazz concerts and filmmaking.

Sarah Wilson, of Tracks Darlington, which has been previously supported by the organisation, said: "This is a brilliant scheme and really good news for all creatives in Darlington, it comes at such a difficult time with there still being so much uncertainty across the sector, and sadly not really an end in sight.

"Darlington for Culture has always been very supportive of Tracks and our various projects. Whether that is financial support, as a grant made the release of our 'Noisy Daughters' vinyl featuring female artists from the North-East possible, or through their volunteers supporting our BIG Little Gigs events."

The success of DfC’s Small Grants Scheme has been recognised by Darlington Borough Council who match fund the grant. This provides funding of £10,000 per annum, which is allocated from August 1 each year.

Katy Weir, from ODDMANOUT theatre, also welcomed the scheme.

She said: "Darlington for Culture is always at the forefront of supporting arts in the town and the Small Grants Scheme is extremely exciting and welcome during this difficult time.

"For artists in the area the opportunity and need to create and connect is both imperative for both the artist and the community."

There are no deadlines or rounds for applying, but applicants are advised to check if support is still available before submitting.

The fund is jointly managed by Creative Darlington, on behalf of the council, and DfC.

Approximately half of the fund each year is earmarked for innovative proposals that promote footfall in the town centre and that help meet the aims of the council’s LoveDarlo initiative.

The scheme will offer grants of up to £500 per applicant each calendar year. A maximum of three awards will be made to any applicant, subject to the DfC committee’s assessment.