Community projects to benefit from University funding

Launched this year as a small pilot scheme, the Community Fund considers applications for funding from Oxfordshire-based community projects.

The Pegasus Theatre, Film Oxford and Cowley Road Carnival have been selected to receive grants totalling £11,000 in the first round of funding.

Michael Sibly, Deputy Registrar of the University and chair of the Community Fund Management Group, said: 'The University has been supporting community groups for a number of years, but we wanted to make the process much more straightforward.

'We are a huge part of this city and we want to play our part in supporting some of the excellent community activity that goes on.

'This reflects our commitment to the economic, social and cultural development of the city and county.

'We are very pleased to be able to support these three excellent projects in this round of funding.'

The Pegasus Theatre will receive £3,000 towards bringing the 'Musical Rumpus' education project to Oxford. Presented by Spitalfields Music, the show is specially tailored to the ears of children under the age of two.

Jonathan Lloyd, Artistic Director and CEO of Pegasus, said: 'Pegasus is excited to be working with Spitalfields Music Festival to bring "Musical Rumpus", a very special musical theatre project for families with very young children, to Oxford. World-class musicians facilitated by early years music specialists and trained Pegasus staff will deliver unique multi-sensory, magical performances. Thanks to the support from Oxford University's Community Fund, this pilot project will help us develop a sustained offer of great art for families from disadvantaged communities.'

Film Oxford is to receive £2,000 towards the making of a short film highlighting the dangers posed by Oxford’s waterways and showing young people how they can be enjoyed safely, while the Cowley Road Carnival has been awarded £6,000 towards its production costs.

Geron Swann, Centre Director at Film Oxford, said: 'This is wonderful news, and Digital Youth at Film Oxford is grateful to the Oxford University Community Fund for its support. The River Safe film is all about enjoying the rivers around Oxford safely. It could even save lives.'

Danielle Battigelli, Executive Director of Cowley Road Works, added: 'Cowley Road Carnival celebrates the richly mixed cultural heritage of Oxford, providing an opportunity for the many different groups within the city to come together in a creative and positive spirit. The students and staff of Oxford University are part of that rich mix within our city and we are very grateful for the contribution of their Community Fund towards making this major community event possible.'

Other local projects to have received funding from Oxford University recently include Oxford Open Doors, Christmas Light Night, and 'Writing on Water', an arts workshop based at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter.

Applications from community groups for funding will be considered on a 'gathered field' basis three times a year.