A new £1 million fund to support Essex's arts and cultural organisations has opened for applications, and could help the arts scene in Burnham and the Dengie recover from the pandemic.

Essex County Council's Arts and Cultural Fund opened yesterday (Tuesday, 4 January), and offers organisations grants between £2,500 and £30,000 for festivals, exhibitions and cultural projects as well as helping communities hit hard by the pandemic.

An additional £549,000 will provide internal county council resources to support the arts.

Since the fund was announced in October, more than 100 artists and cultural organisations have expressed an interest.

Councillor Graham Butland, cabinet member for devolution, the arts, heritage and culture, said: "We have been overwhelmed with the response from the artistic and cultural community since we first announced the launch of this new fund, as demonstrated by the sheer number of expressions of interest we have received.

"The Arts and Cultural Fund is open to all and will support the diverse and vibrant communities we have in the county, from grassroots community groups to large organisations.

"I would encourage everyone who is eligible to apply as a thriving creative sector is part of a strong economy and one which will rejuvenate our high streets."

A statement for sign-off by Councillor Butland and Councillor Chris Whitbread, cabinet member for finance, resources and corporate affairs said: "In Essex, this crucial arts and cultural sector is in need of support, not only to consolidate and recover, but to deliver the vital work it undertakes in our communities, enriching and enlivening our public spaces, economies and resident's quality of life."

The fund is open to individual artists, community groups, social enterprises, community interest companies, co-operatives, private and public organisations.

Applications are open until Monday, 28 February.

The successful applicants will be announced at the end of March.

You can apply here.