Last chance for arts cash
TIME is running out for young and start-up businesses in Teesside’s creative sector to tap into an Arts Council fund, which closes the lid on grants in just 10 days.
Established in 1999, Arts Council North East’s Creative Business Venture scheme has given away more than £5m to companies - from photographers to animators and artists to architects.
But under European funding rules it now faces having to give what’s left back, if no one comes forward to claim it.
The grants - ranging from £1000 to £6000 - can help businesses under 12 months old with start-up costs and equipment. The final application date is February 8 2008.
Jonathan Martin, Creative Industries Development Officer for Arts Council England, North East said: “This kind of scheme is vital in encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting and nurturing creative businesses in our region.
‘We know there is a rich and diverse range of creative talent in the Tees Valley and we would like to see as many people as possible making the most of this wonderful opportunity in its last few days.
“This scheme has been a crucial route to business support and development for many creative entrepreneurs at key stages of their development,” he said.
Among those who have already benefited are Teesside University computing graduates Marc Williamson and David Hankin who established Halch, a games development studio, which became the developers for the Nintendo DS and the revolutionary Nintendo Wii. They are now expanding their team with more Tees-grown talent.
Middlesbrough-based Fluid Pixel Studios‘ Paul Ivorra and Stuart Varrall, games developers for mobile phones and PSP also benefited.
