Purpose

This report presents an
application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.  

 

An application to the Community
Fund has been received from Artcycle CIC for £315.05
from the Community Fund for the purchase of junk collecting equipment, safety
wear and reusable promotional material.

 

Artcycle
CIC use junk to create artwork projects such as bags and decorations within
their community workshops. They are based at AFC Portchester, are in their
first year of operating and at the time of their initial application had held 4
community junk workshops with very positive feedback, affirming social value
and educational enrichment. The additional equipment will allow them to
continue the junk workshops for the future.

 

They have initiated outreach with
five local headteachers and have been raising awareness through AFC Portchester
members and attendees. They intend to work closely with local charities, local
children’s groups, home-school networks and social care within Councils to
ensure their workshops are able to be accessed by those that would benefit
most.

 

The junk workshops cost between
£10-20 for a 3hr workshop which covers tuition staff, room hire, materials and
tools. This is exceptionally good value when comparing to other, less
environmentally aware art-based activities and reflects the CIC’s non-profit
making approach. 

 

The CIC will also be holding free
community workshops for promotion.

 

In the regular workshops there
will be free spaces available to families who have financial struggles and
these referrals will be assessed in line with their ‘free of charge’ spaces
policy.

 

Artcycle
CIC are looking for £315.05 from the Community Fund. They will be funding the
operating cost of first aid training which costs an additional £200.

 

As of 28 June 2025, Artcycle CIC held £194.80 in their accounts. The
organisation has been set up for less than a year and therefore have no
complete annual accounts to show.

 

Ward Councillor, Councillor
Nother supports Artcycle CIC’s application. Ward
Councillor, Councillor P Whittle raised concerns about the application in
respect to the need for this further equipment.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive Member for Leisure and Community approve the
application to award £315.05 from the Community Fund.