A FUNDING scheme has been launched to help support community events.

The Carnival Arts Fund has been set up by Easington District Council to encourage organisations in the area to involve professional artists in the preparation and running of shows.

Dave Clarke, arts development officer, said: "Our aim is to encourage groups across the district to use music, dance, drama, or visual arts in their events.

"However, we'll be giving priority to those organisations that make a special effort to include the community in their activities.''

The council will support groups which employ artists to perform or provide art workshops on the day of the event, as well as those that enlist the help of artists in the run-up to their community celebrations.

"The kind of professional artist we would like to see groups engaging to perform at their carnival would include street theatre performers, circus skills artists, open-air music bands and storytellers,'' Mr Clarke said.

Organisations can apply for up to 50 per cent of the cost of employing an artist at their event, with a maximum grant of £1,000 available.

For an application form, contact the council's arts development unit on 0191-527-0501.