New Micro Grants Programme to Boost Arts, Culture and Heritage Grassroots Creativity in South Reading

A new funding initiative aimed at supporting grassroots arts, culture and heritage projects in South Reading has been launched by the Council.

Building on the previous success of collaborations with Creative Lives, the Council’s new Micro Grants Programme offers small grant awards of £250 or £500 to help local creative groups in the south of the borough and bring their ideas to life.

The grants are designed to cover essential costs such as materials, marketing and delivery of creative activities, with a simple and accessible application process.

The Micro Grants project has received £5,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Reading is home to an incredible wealth of creativity, and we know that some of the most inspiring work happens at the grassroots level, so we are delighted that the Government is providing this funding. The programme is about empowering local people to shape their own cultural experiences and strengthen community connections through creativity. Whether it’s a mural project, a storytelling group, or a music workshop, we want to help ideas flourish in south Reading.”

Applications are open to individuals and organisations with a strong connection to the local community, including those with a track record of community-based creative work or new initiatives with local support. Projects should be community-led, encourage collaboration, and address local needs or aspirations through arts and culture.

The deadline for applications is midnight 20 October 2025, with successful applicants notified in the first week of November.

For more information, guidance, or help with the application, contact Zsuzsi.Lindsay@reading.gov.uk

The application form and additional information can be found here https://whatsonreading.com/funding