Joining forces with the Coventry City of Culture Trust and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Heart of England Community Foundation has launched its LGBTQ+ Community Grants. In line with the Foundation’s commitment to representation and inclusion for all, the fund has been created to support the LGBTQ+ community across Coventry and Warwickshire.
The fund comes just a couple months after the Foundation’s latest funding pot with Coventry City of Culture which helped aid the production of Tom Wright’s I Ain’t Dumb. The production took to the stage last month and enthralled over 600 local residents, engaging with over 80 local students.
Tom Wright, writer of I Ain’t Dumb, comments:
“It was a dream come true to bring the world-premiere of LGBTQ+ themed show ‘I Ain’t Dumb’ to my hometown of Coventry. With the generous support of Heart of England we were able to deliver an extensive wrap-around programme which engaged with LGBTQ+ young people, artists and audiences, the effects of which will be felt for years to come.”
Looking to help communities create safe spaces, build intergenerational connections, and encourage joy and self-expression, the new LGBTQ+ funding is offering grants of up to £5000 that can be used to educate and bringing together those within the LGBTQ+ community.
From performing arts and photography to music and spoken word, the Foundation and its partners want to encourage collaboration across Coventry and Warwickshire; all of which celebrates and brings together the LGBTQ+ community.
Tina Costello, CEO at the Foundation, said:
“We are the Community Foundation for the West Midlands and Warwickshire, but Coventry is our home. We’ve loved being on the journey with Coventry City of Culture Trust from the bid stage to winning the UK City of Culture 2021! I’m really looking forward to seeing the projects and I truly hope this shows genuine support for our LGBTQ+ communities.
“There are over 128,000 people that identify as LGBTQ+ in the West Midlands, and so we’re committed to support these individuals, ensuring they have a safe space, a support network and projects that connect them with their community, and city.”
To find out more about the LGBTQ+ Community Fund and how to apply, visit: www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/available-grants/
Featured image from production I Ain’t Dumb.