Latest news: New arts funding announced

Arts Council England has announced the latest round of funding in its Strategic touring programme. 24/08/2012

According to the body, £1.25million has been given to 11 projects as part of the scheme, which was created to increase access to the arts, particularly in locations where arts engagement is low.

In addition, it also 'aims to facilitate stronger relationships between arts organisations with local promoters'.

Recipients in this latest round of funding include Baby People, whose soul food tour takes black British artists into rural low engagement areas in the East Midlands, Disability and Deaf Arts (Dada) and its DadaFest Touring project, and Zion Arts Centre's North West Children's Theatre Network.

Almost £6million has been awarded to organisations across the country, with a further £9million set to be donated across three final rounds of funding. Arts Council England stated that it expects to invest a total of £45million worth of Lottery funding over the next three years.

Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England. It aims to champion, develop and support artistic and cultural experiences across a range of activities, from theatre, music and literature, to crafts, collections and dance.

To find out more, or to apply for funding in the next round of the Strategic touring programme, visit Arts Council England - Strategic Touring Programme .