The work of the Arts Development team is informed by the council’s vision, which is to:

“improve the quality of life of all in Central Bedfordshire, and enhance the unique character of our communities and our environment.”

Through Central Bedfordshire’s Strategic Plan 2009 – 2011 (application/pdf; 1074kB) the 5 main priorities of which are:

• Supporting and caring for the ageing population
• Educating, protecting and providing opportunities for children and young people
• Managing growth effectively
• Creating safer communities
• Promoting healthier lifestyles

The Arts Development Team aim to increase access to and participation in high quality Arts and Cultural activities and events for all ages and abilities.

Central Bedfordshire Arts Team does not currently have a budget for arts funding.

However, if you or your arts organisation have an idea or project that you would like to fulfil, here are a few ideas as to where to go for some help with funding. Please be aware that most funding bodies do require you to find some of the cost of the project.

• Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity  
  The Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is a grant maker supporting local community groups and charities.
• Arts Council England        
  Grants for the Arts funding (individuals, organisations, national touring - ££variable)
• Community & Voluntary Service
  An umbrella organisation that supports and represents the interests of voluntary organisations, community groups and charities in Bedfordshire

National Lottery Funding  (NFL) 

•  Awards for All (aimed at local communities - grants of £500 - £500,000)
• Grants for the Arts (£1K - £100K)
• Big Lottery (£300 - £10K)

Youth Music
Youth Music is the UK's largest children's music charity providing funding for music projects and activities.

There are also many grant giving bodies and trusts to be found on the Internet. They are often art form or agenda specific (e.g. Awards just for sculptors or poets; awards just for young people or older people)

If you require any further information or clarification then please do not hesitate to contact us via 0300 300 8305.

As well as supporting art initiatives, the Arts Development team is also responsible for contributing to the council's policy towards arts and culture. This includes providing information about the role culture plays in the life of Central Bedfordshire.

The Arts Development Team aim to increase access to and participation in high quality Arts and Cultural activities and events for all ages and abilities.

We also encourage high profile professional practitioners to work within the area and for specific projects.

These are just a few of the words that are used to express the ideals and aims of The Cultural Olympiad – a UK wide event that is designed to give everyone a chance to take part in the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Already, people all over Britain are busy creating a series of events to showcase the nation’s arts and culture to the rest of the world.

With less than one year to go to ‘The Games’ we want to help spread the word about what Central Bedfordshire’s communities and groups are doing to celebrate this unique moment.

To help, we have set up the Central Bedfordshire Cultural Relay information database so that you can tell us: if you are planning a cultural event or activity between now and September 2012.

We would also like to know if you have a Festival or Carnival that you would like to develop or If you just have some big creative ideas that you would like to shout about!

Please either complete the Central Bedfordshire Cultural Relay Online Form or contact us to register an interest in our Cultural Olympiad plans.

All of the Cultural Olympiad related events and activities are registered our Cultural Realy What’s On webpage (coming soon), so that everyone can see how Central Bedfordshire is celebrating.

Other Cultural Olympiad related programmes: The INSPIRE programme - Inspiring creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people, the aim is to make a real impact with a legacy that will last well beyond ‘The Games’. Click on the following link for information on Major Projects.

This is a selection of the many Dance Companies, Schools and classes that can be found in Central Bedfordshire:

• Adrian Marsh School of Dance based in Leighton Buzzard
• Barrett Smith School of Dance based in Clifton 01462 811149
• Bedfordshire Youth Dance Company (PDF 45KB) is for anyone aged 11-18 years old who lives or studies in Bedfordshire
• Bedfordshire School of Speech and Drama based in Flitwick
• Body Rhythm Line Dance Club based in Leighton Buzzard
• Buzzard Jive based in Billington
• Dinky Dancers based in Barton-le-clay, Harlington, Dunstable, Caddington, Linslade
• Donna's Dance School based in Dunstable
• Doreen's School of Dancing 01525 237400 based in Leighton Buzzard
• EasyJive based in Sandy
• Katy Lawrance Theatre Dance School based in Henlow
• Leanne Hughes Theatre School based in Leighton Buzzard
• LS Dance based in Leighton Buzzard 07864 093288
• NKB School of Dance based in Dunstable and Luton
• Redbornstoke Morris based in Ampthill
• Red Hot Red Tango based in Husborne Crawley 07862 105221
• Red Hot Salsa based in Ampthill
• Rodney's Dance School based in Stondon
• Salsa Trio based in Dunstable 07963709215 & 07941114540  
• Victoria Stompers Line Dance Club based in Dunstable 01582 668115