Funding boost for 'pop up' art projects in Birkenhead (From Wirral Globe)
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Funding boost for 'pop up' art projects in Birkenhead
10:39am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News
Left to right: Jill Carter, Wirral Methodist Housing Association; Imogen Boyle, Carl Thompson from The Co-operative Funeralcare; Bethany Jackson and Sheila Cooper from The Co-operative’s Merseyside Membership Committee.
BIRKENHEAD Community Association has received a cash boost to help run arts projects.
The £500, from Co-Operative Community Fund, has been used for 'pop up' poetry and art sessions across four deprived housing estates in the town.
Residents had the opportunity to work with professional artists in a familiar environment, working with paint, textile and clay, as well as words, to express their emotions about the local area and community.
Art work from the events was then displayed at the Williamson Gallery.
The Community Fund is created by members of The Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme.
Funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as the Stronger Communities Assembly, across the country.
Dave Gower from the Stronger Communities Assembly said: "It is fantastic that members of The Co-operative have chosen to support us in our activities.
"Our events encourage people to be vocal about the area in which they live, to identify ways to make it better, and then to go and make that happen with their neighbours.
"We want to build confidence in this local community and encourage a sense of pride among residents."
Sheila Cooper from The Co-operative’s Merseyside Membership Committee said: "Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make.
"It's a scheme we're very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities."
Co-operative members receive a payment twice a year based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the Group’s businesses, including The Co-operative Food, Travel, Pharmacy and Funeralcare, as well as The Co-operative Bank and The Co-operative Insurance.
"There is around £200,000 available in this region, each year, from the Community Fund, and we welcome applications from local groups and projects for £100 to £2,000," said Sheila.
Community Fund application forms are available online at www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by phoning 0161 827 5879.
