Three art and culture projects in Sidmouth have received grants from East Devon District Council as part of their Creative East Devon Fund. The funding aims to support creative projects that improve people’s health and lives. The total funding amounted to over £31,000 and was awarded to fourteen projects, three of which are Sidmouth based projects.

Sidmouth Coast Community Hub CIC was awarded £3,000 for is Peace Garden Mural project, which will involve 20 groups who use the Dissenters Hall in the town and once in place, it will be visible from the high street. Sidmouth School of Art  also received £3,000 for their Sidmouth on Sea – Save our Seas part of the Winter Festival, which will be on display at the Sensory Garden, Riverside Walkway, the Ham and Sidmouth Wallspace.

The 2024 Sidmouth International Jazz Festival received £2,970 to fund free access to a range of live music workshops and will return to the town on 23rd May.

Speaking about the grants, Cllr Nick Hookway, said: “The Creative East Devon Fund is a new initiative which was introduced as part of our wider East Devon Cultural Strategy. We are delighted to support these initiatives across East Devon. The projects will not only enrich the cultural lives of residents but also attract visitors to the area