An arts workshop run at North Ayrshire's Foodbank has highlighted the success of the council's participatory budgeting scheme.

Creative Matters received vital funding for the classes, held at the foodbank's base in Ardrossan.

Now artist Ellie Swanson has urged other groups to apply for funding through the North Ayrshire Council project.

But be quick - there’s only three days left now to apply for the latest round of funding.

Applications close at midnight this Friday, September 11. Nominations opened on Monday, August 26 and there’s £171,377 in funding up for grabs.

With voting due to commence from October 2024, the funding this year will be part of two funding cycles:

  • Locality PB: Health and Wellbeing, Building Community Spirit, Cost of Living, Green Projects
  • Youth PB: Youth Voice and Rights, Health and Wellbeing, Cost of Living, Green Projects

A notable project receiving funding from the last rounds was Creative Matters, now in its third year running thanks to the Participatory Budgeting fund.

(Image: NAC)

Hosted at the Church of the Nazarene in Ardrossan, the workshops have been delivered by Ellie, a contemporary artist in residence at Irvine Youth Legacy Centre.

The workshops were a great opportunity for local residents to share their life experiences and also enjoy the escapism of worthwhile time spent together in a safe, warm and supportive environment, creating art for the community.

The workshops went down well, and Ellie showcased some of the incredible art at a Creative Matters exhibition last month.

(Image: NAC)

Ellie said: “My practice is participatory art, so in each of the Creative Matters sessions funded by PB, I was really interested in the journey everyone went through, rather than the finished product, allowing everyone to express themselves freely and at their own pace.

“We’ve now ran two blocks of six-week classes and the attendance has been brilliant. Everyone has had a chance to hone new skills and feels encouraged to continue learning more in future sessions.

“From litho-printing, to clay sculpting and drawing, there’s been some amazing art created. Without a doubt, I’ll be applying for PB again and encouraging everyone to do the same.

(Image: NAC)

“I am so grateful to Craig Crosthwaite from North Ayrshire Foodbank for putting PB on my radar, and I’m so proud of the participants too and would like to thank them for giving the sessions their all and taking a chance on something new.

“Even if you feel apprehensive about putting yourself forward for applying for PB, please take comfort in knowing I did too, I thought no one would vote for my community group when voting opened, but they did. The response has been amazing!

“Putting myself out there via the Shaping North Ayrshire website has also really helped to raise my profile. The exposure has been great, so it has been a win, win!

(Image: NAC)

“My next ambition is to do fundraising for a kiln for the Creative Matters attendees, so fingers crossed we’ll be successful in the latest participatory budgeting round too as this will help us to reach our goals.

“I’m excited for what the future holds and so excited to be able to empower communities with the help of North Ayrshire Foodbank and the latest PB funding cycle.”

The criteria and nominations form can be accessed via the Shaping North Ayrshire website: Shaping North Ayrshire (communitychoices.scot) 

Community and local organisations can submit their applications until midnight on Friday, 13 September.