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Suffolk County Council launches £500,000 fund to boost local culture

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Suffolk County Council has unveiled a new £500,000 Culture Project Fund to support arts and museum projects across the county. The initiative offers grants ranging from £1,500 to £50,000 for various cultural endeavours.

The big picture: The fund aims to strengthen Suffolk's cultural landscape, focusing on health and wellbeing, economic development, environmental protection, and value for money.

There are three tiers of grants are available:

  • Small grants up to £1,500

  • Medium grants up to £15,000

  • Large grants up to £50,000

Why it matters: The fund seeks to create happier, healthier, and stronger communities by supporting cultural projects that reach vulnerable and marginalised groups.

‘KB Designs Youth Mural’ on Great Coleman Street in 2024
KB Designs Youth Mural mural on Great Coleman Street, commissioned by the Wild Walls Festival 2024Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Who can apply: Eligible applicants include arts and museum organisations, skilled freelancers, registered charities, community interest companies, non-profits, and social enterprises based in Suffolk.

Both capital and revenue projects are supported, with a maximum of £25,000 available for capital expenditure.

What they're saying: Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said: "The launch of the Culture Project Fund marks a significant investment in the future of Suffolk's cultural sector. By supporting projects that focus on our key priorities, we aim to create happier, healthier, and stronger communities."

Key dates:

  • Fund opens for applications: 23 September 2024

  • Medium and Large grant applications deadline: 29 November 2024

  • Medium and Large grants awarded by: 14 February 2025

  • Small grant presentations: 17 March, 14 July, and 15 September 2025

The bottom line: This initiative aims to boost Suffolk's economy by supporting projects that enhance skills development, promote social enterprises, and attract visitors.

Apply now: If you want more information or to submit your application, visit https://suffolk.gov.uk/culture-heritage-and-leisure/culture-project-fund.

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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