APPLICATIONS are now open for villages across the district to be in with a chance of being crowned Wychavon Village of Culture 2019.

The competition will see the winning area awarded £5,000, with two runners up receiving £1,000 each, to deliver a programme of cultural activity during 2019.

As part of Wychavon District Council’s promise to support and engage with communities, the aim of Wychavon Village of Culture 2019 is to ‘encourage culture as a catalyst for change.'

The programmes, which can include a mixture of visual arts, literature, music, theatre, heritage, sports and more, will need to reach a wide variety of audiences, lead to a lasting social impact and create a legacy for the area.

They should be quality cultural programmes that are distinctive, ambitious, build on existing strengths, include partnerships with local organisations and will contribute to the health and wellbeing of the area.

To apply, areas need to spell out their own vision and how they will use the prize money by submitting an expression of interest by September 21 and the top three will be selected by the Localism and Rural Advisory Panel in early October.

The chosen three then need to submit a final bid by 9 November for Executive Board to make a final decision before the winner is announced in December.

Gerry O’Donnell, portfolio holder for community development, culture and sport a Wychavon District Council, said: “Wychavon Village of Culture 2019 is a great opportunity for communities to come together to create a legacy for their village through an exciting programme of cultural activity.

“It is well recognised that engaging in cultural activities such as art, music, and theatre, can benefit mental health and wellbeing, and help combat feelings of isolation.

“The district is full of thriving villages with different strengths and the competition is all about building on those to ensure a bright future for residents.”

Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/village-of-culture to access an expression of interest form.