Applications for BBC Performing Arts Fund open

Budding young musicians around the country could be set to benefit from applying for a grant from the BBC’s Performing Arts Fund.
The news provider has revealed that it is now accepting applications for the scheme with £200,000 worth of funding set to be given away to young musicians. The programme has been designed to encourage young, talented people to get involved in musical theatre.
Any non-profit theatre groups are eligible to apply for funding under the initiative, provided they have a youth section or are made up of members under the age of 25.
Groups can apply for grants for training and development and, in particular, for projects that encourage new members or look to attract a more diverse audience. Alternatively, the groups may be looking to try out a more ambitious repertoire, work with other local organisations or put on workshops run by professionals.
Others may wish to put on a musical for the first time and can apply for funding to help them hire individuals with experience in the industry or extra musical help.
Applications can be made via the BBC website now and close at 5pm on Tuesday November 30th. The winners will be announced in January 2011.
Meanwhile, last month, the BBC Performing Arts Fund hosted a series of choral events in Liverpool.
The workshops helped to celebrate choral singing in the city and involved three local organisations who had been the recipients of funding from last year’s the Performing Arts Fund’s Choral Ambition scheme.
Indeed, last year, the BBC Performing Arts Fund awarded £208,000 in grants to 98 choirs through its Choral Ambition scheme.
“The fund was really impressed by the level of talent from the hundreds of diverse choirs that applied to the scheme from around the country,” the BBC said. “The scheme provided funding to allow choirs to progress with developmental projects and to commission new music, as well as funding mentoring and workshops.”