EMERGENCY arts and heritage funding is now available for individuals and organisations in west Cheshire.

Those wishing to apply for funding can now do so after money was made available from Arts Council England to support creative industries during the current coronavirus pandemic.

There are two rounds of funding open for individuals, offering grants of up to £2,500, while organisations that are not National Portfolio organisations could obtain grants of up to £35,000.

Round one opens for applications on Thursday, April 9, until Thursday, April16, while round two opens for applications on Thursday, April 16 until Thursday, April 30.

Only one application can be made and must be done so via artscouncil.org.uk/covid19, with applicants requiring experience in delivering work that was publicly funded.

Also now available is a £50million National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will provide short-term funding for organisations delivering heritage projects.

To find out if you are eligible to apply or to do so, visit heritagefund.org.uk/news/coronavirus-update.

On the funding opportunities, Cheshire West and Chester Council leader, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “I’m sure these new grants will be welcomed by our arts and heritage businesses.

“Please make sure you are registered on the Arts Council’s funding portal, Grantium. New registrations can sometimes take up to ten working days.

“Coronavirus is affecting us all, but there is support available.

“I know it’s not immediate and I know there are frustrations, but this is something none of us have been through before.

“Making sure grant payments are made is urgent, but please allow time for the various funders to work through the applications process.”