Feltham Arts has been awarded almost £230,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with communities in West Hounslow.
The group, based in The Centre, Feltham will use the cash to deliver more arts activities for all ages. Feltham Arts has been running since 1989 and is supported by 40 volunteers. It was founded by Vera Scott who quickly gained widespread support for the organisation not only from the local community but the full range of voluntary and statutory service providers in the area. In fact, the Council, placed the organisation of all cultural events in the area in the hands of the association because it recognised its clear community ownership.
The group now runs a year round all ages creative programme ‘Connecting Communities through the Arts’, engaging over 12,000 people each year where they join in with a wide range of quality arts such as the annual grassroots Feltham Festival, theatre, music, dance, carnival, large scale community events, public artwork, showcases and exhibitions. The funding will enable more people to participate and be engaged in arts activities, improve health and wellbeing and enhance the social and physical environment.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see the ‘Connecting Communities through the Arts’ run over 3 years.
Ruth Stevens Chair of Feltham Arts said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to broaden the range of opportunities available to local residents. This is important because it will ensure we continue work with the community to enhance, shape and regenerate our area, helping restore residents’ collective confidence, so that it is a place they want to live, work and care for.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Services at Hounslow Council said: “Huge congratulations to Feltham Arts for securing this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Feltham Arts performs a vital role in enriching the lives of our communities with a vibrant and exciting calendar of events and opportunities. I look forward to seeing them grow their Connecting Communities through the Arts programme for the benefit of our communities. Funding such as this plays a vital role in preserving the arts and we are very grateful to the National Lottery for this award.”
