Artists, heritage groups and creative organizations are appealing for funding applications to start the project in 2024, when Wirral becomes a cultural borough for the Liverpool City Region.
Borough of Culture grants are available with a total of up to £150,000. The grant aims to grow the region’s creative sector and support local groups to celebrate Wirral’s year in the cultural spotlight.
Councilor Helen Cameron, Chair of Wirral Council’s Tourism, Community, Culture and Leisure Committee, said: “Wirral has an incredibly talented creative community and vibrant cultural heritage groups, and we are determined to support them through our Cultural Boroughs program.
“This funding will help launch dozens of projects across the borough, support artists and groups to unleash their creativity, attract residents, strengthen our cultural heritage offering and support the borough’s ambitious regeneration plans. This will bring new business opportunities that will contribute to the
Organizers are looking for projects that contribute to one or more of the following 2024 Borough of Culture themes:
- Attracting children and young people Engage with culture and tradition and develop creative skills and talents
- Using arts, culture and heritage to improve people’s health and well-being Achieve other positive results
- Encourage community participation in creative activities where they live
- Tell Wirral’s story and promote the borough’s culture and heritage for locals and tourists
- Creating assets and opportunities that leave a lasting legacy Beyond the Years of the Cultural Autonomous Region
Projects that increase access to arts, culture and heritage are particularly welcomed by individuals and communities who do not normally participate in such activities.
Councilor Mike Wharton, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Business at Liverpool City Region Integration Authority, said: “This will not only be a great opportunity for many local community groups and individuals to take part in Wirral’s exciting celebration of the Borough of Culture, but also for them to create a much-welcome creative project that may not have been possible previously. This is a great opportunity to offer.
“We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply and join us for what will be a great year.”
Applicants do not need to be based in Wirral, but the project must be delivered within the borough and for the benefit of the borough.
The title of Borough of Culture is awarded on rotation each year to one of the six local authorities that make up the Liverpool City Region as part of the Combined Authority’s cultural programme.
This grant program has been made possible with funding from Liverpool City Region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, managed by the Liverpool City Region Integration Authority.
The deadline for funding applications is Friday 15 March 2024 at 12:00 noon. Successful projects must use all grants received by March 31, 2025, but it is anticipated that the majority will be awarded and will use all funds. All grant recipients are subject to standard audit requirements (e.g. receipt submission).
Further information and an online application form are available on Wirral Council’s website at www.wirral.gov.uk/culturegrants. 
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