Grant applications now open for creative projects to boost Derby city centre

Published: 31 March 2023

Colourful rainbow canopy art installed above shoppers heads in Iron Gate

A canopy of colourful ribbons brightened up Iron Gate with help from last year's Vibrancy Fund

A fund worth £80,000 is open to applications as part of an initiative to make the city centre more attractive for all visitors.

Derby City Council is inviting creative organisations and individuals to bid for a share of Government funding to deliver eye-catching artwork which inspires residents and visitors and celebrates the cultural diversity of the city.

Derby-based organisations and individuals are eligible to apply for up to £10,000 from the City Centre Vibrancy Fund. They can work independently or in collaboration with other artists or makers.

The City Centre Vibrancy Fund has been enabled through a share of Derby’s allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was launched in April 2022 to replace EU funding. It is a key part of the Government’s “levelling-up” agenda and is aimed at boosting communities, with an overarching aim of building pride in place and increasing life chances

The type of projects the Council anticipate supporting include:

creative ideas from local artists for decorated hoardings, painted streets, window treatments on vacant property, wall murals and other installations
street canopies to enliven streets where the infrastructure exists to install safely

Priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate wider benefits, such as building a legacy that will continue to deliver after a specific project has finished.

Ten local businesses received a share from the Council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Vibrancy Fund last year enabling a range of projects, including street art, sculptures and lighting schemes.

Claire Davenport, Director of Culture, Leisure and Tourism at Derby City Council said:

This fund aims to breathe life into the streets of the city centre, offering opportunities for local creatives and engaging the diverse communities that live and work here. There is an incredible wealth of talent in our city, and we are excited to hear their ideas to enliven the city centre.

The deadline to submit completed applications is 12 noon on 26 April 2023.

Decision letters are expected to be issued by 29 May 2023.

All projects must be completed and installed by 31 October 2023.