A new funding opportunity has been launched to support projects as part of Kirklees Year of Music 2023 (KYOM23) by Creative Minds, a charity hosted by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Locala and hoot creative arts.
The new funding opportunity is for projects which will support the upcoming KYOM23, a unique, place-based, cultural change programme initiated and led by Kirklees Council. Through investment in the district’s diverse music talent, communities and businesses, the year-long programme of major events and durational initiatives, will strengthen the music ecology of Kirklees from its roots.
Creative Minds are leading the small-grants award process and focusing on developing creative activities in partnership with community organisations that use music to help improve the health and wellbeing of people. The focus for projects is one of Kirklees Year of Music 2023’s core themes: “I FEEL GOOD!” Making music makes you feel good. Listening to music is great for your mood. Music improves your mental health and brings people together.
Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 as part of the new initiative (max of £1,000 for small, constituted groups) and all applications must identify match funding as part of their application. The Creative Minds Programme will enable both voluntary/ third sector organisations and smaller community and peer-led groups to deliver a variety of creative initiatives.
Creative Minds is a unique and award-winning team hosted by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT) that has been operating for over 10 years and since 2016 as a charity. It specialises in supporting and developing creative approaches to health and wellbeing which has always included music-related activities.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 19th Sept 2022. Head over to the KYOM 2023 website for links to the application form and application guidance.
Alex Feather, Creative Minds Co-ordinator commented: “Creative Minds is really looking forward to Kirklees Year of Music 2023. Over the past 10 years, we have worked with many organisations to create wonderful music-related initiatives for people to be involved with and 2023 gives us a great opportunity to be using the power of music for wellbeing and joy. So let’s crank up the music medicine”
Sharleen Shaha, Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator and Producer for KYOM23 said: “hoot has worked in Kirklees for 20 years promoting creativity as a tool to improve health and wellbeing and is very excited to work with Creative Minds on this call out. This is a chance for hoot’s volunteers and participants to take part in selecting artists and organisations that will run more music activities for people to experience how being creative with music makes us feel good”
Cllr Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture said: “Providing opportunities for community organisations to create positive musical experiences is key to our plans for Kirklees Year of Music 2023. Music really is for everyone, and through opportunities like this we can bring the joy of music to many more local people. I can’t wait to see what initiatives result from this new funding and the positive impact they have on health and wellbeing.”
