Image: Catalyst will enhance arts groups' resilience

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced that 173 applicants have been successful in their bids for support through the £30m Catalyst Arts capacity building and match funding scheme.

The funding initiative is designed to help arts organisations become more sustainable and innovative in order to increase their fundraising potential and attract new investment.

ACE said the awards made through the Catalyst Arts scheme will help groups attract money both in the short and long term, which will enable investment in further artistic work.

It is part of ACE's efforts to create a more resilient arts sector, which is among the key aims of its Achieving great art for everyone strategy announced in November 2010.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "It's marvellous to see the many innovative ways in which arts organisations have responded to this opportunity to maximise their fundraising potential."

Details: www.artscouncil.org.uk

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