THE organisers of two community projects have had their hopes dashed after Renfrewshire Leisure confirmed they have missed out on funding, writes Jack Thomson. 

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group will not be awarded a combined £28,977, following a decision to revisit their applications.

A second look at their submissions to the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF) has taken place and led Renfrewshire Leisure to say “not all applicants can be successful”.

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The decision has been criticised by Councillor Derek Bibby, whose ward covers Johnstone North and Lochwinnoch.

He said: “I am disappointed the reassessment of the respective grants to Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group confirmed rejection.

“I am advised they did not meet the criteria, however I would point out that one of the key objectives of the CHEF includes the ability of an organisation to have a proposal that would strengthen cultural activity in neighbourhoods across Renfrewshire, enhance the cultural calendar and showcase local talent. 

“I am absolutely of the opinion that both the arts festival and theatre group meet these requirements. 

“They also increase the number of people coming to Renfrewshire – another key objective.

“The grant applications were rejected as the theatre group’s proposals did not represent a new activity and the arts festival application was for a sound system, which the assessors judged was not linked to a new activity. 

“Given that both these organisations have.a proven track record, I believe there should be flexibility within the criteria to support them and to ensure an equitable distribution of funding across Renfrewshire.

“I hope that both will consider resubmissions in the future and welcome Renfrewshire Leisure’s offer to meet with both organisations to discuss other funding opportunities.”

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Leisure said: “Renfrewshire Leisure has managed the application and assessment processes of the CHEF since October 2018 and all applications are assessed against the funding criteria. Those that best meet that criteria are supported.

“We also offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants, so their future applications can better meet the criteria and we’d be happy to discuss any future grant funding applications with representatives of Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group.

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“Many applications are received for funding from the CHEF and unfortunately, not all applicants can be successful.

“Since the fund was launched in February 2016, £995,767 has been distributed to 116 projects. The total funding request over this period has been £3,656,173.”

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