For the second year running Liverpool BID Company is seeking applications for its Arts & Culture Fund which offers grants for projects and events in Liverpool city centre. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool BID Company is offering grants for arts and culture projects taking place in Liverpool city centre.

First launched in 2023, the BID’s Arts & Culture Fund has two levels of grants. One for small grants of less than £5,000 which can cover 100% of a project, and a larger grant which can cover up to 50% of the total cost of a project and can be more than £10,000.

Eligible projects should align with Liverpool BID’s objectives, including driving footfall to the city centre, improving the city perspective, showing innovation and helping to showcase Liverpool.

Applicants must also demonstrate they meet both sustainable and ESG (environmental, social and governance) objectives and show a commitment to equality and diversity.

In its first year, the fund supported a number of projects including Liverpool Theatre Festival, LEAP Dance Festival and a new mural at ACC Liverpool to be unveiled later this year.

READ MORE: Merseyrail to offer ‘tap and go’ payments

READ MORE: Liverpool venue offers ‘sober’ night of partying

Bill Elms, artistic director of Liverpool Theatre Festival, said: “We were absolutely delighted to receive funding from Liverpool BID for last year’s festival, this unique annual outdoor theatre festival couldn’t have gone ahead without this support.

“It’s allowed the festival to grow into an important event in Liverpool’s theatre calendar and in turn has supported the city’s performers, creatives and provided a platform for new work.”

Applicants can be levy payers, or non levy payers. This can include charities, CICs and CIOs committed to increasing public access to the arts.

Organisations can include, but are not limited to, museums, galleries, historic houses, archives, libraries, agencies and festivals.

There are two funding rounds, in spring and autumn 2024. The first deadline is Friday March 22, at 5pm, and the second is Friday, September 27, at 5pm. Click here to apply.