£10m youth engagement fund launches

The funding, which is being provided through the Kick the Dust programme, hopes to encourage the youth sector and the heritage sector to explore new ways of working with young people. ?

?Consortia of three or more organisations, including youth and heritage organisations, can apply for grants of £500,000 to £1m.
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The announcement follows publication of the government's Culture White Paper, which sets out a priority to involve young people more effectively in the UK's culture.?

?Heritage minister Tracey Crouch said it is important that young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to explore the nation's "incredible heritage". ??

"By offering cultural experiences and educational opportunities, heritage can play a hugely positive role in people's lives," she said.

??Sir Peter Luff, chair of the HLF, added: "HLF enthusiastically shares the conviction that enabling young people from all backgrounds to establish a deeper relationship with culture will improve their life chances.

??"It will do this by increasing their enjoyment, deepening their understanding of the opportunities on offer, inspiring new thinking about career options and creating valuable educational opportunities outside of the curriculum.??

"Kick the Dust is both a challenge and an opportunity for the heritage and youth sectors to explore new and creative ways of working, forge mutually beneficial partnerships and of course ensure young people can play a role in the future of their heritage."

Applicants have until 2 December to submit a "mandatory project enquiry" and will then have until 20 February 2017 to submit an application.

??Young people will also sit on the decision-making panel and become "ambassadors for heritage" as part of the programme. Decisions are expected to be made in June next year.