The ‘Next Step’ aims to support groups to plan and implement arts activity projects and apply for funding. Through Next Step, Open Arts provides a free service to group leaders to help them develop and devise arts projects and start the application process. Funds available for up to £10,000.
Next Step service provides:

· Practical advice with project ideas
· Identifies potential funders
· Support with completing applications
· Advice on costing your project and budgets
· Links to professional experienced community artists
· Ongoing support and assistance with project evaluation

Next Step helps people with disabilities access the arts and develop confidence through creative activity. Support is available to charitable organisations, statutory bodies and ‘family and friends’ groups. So far, 100% of Next Step supported applications have been successful, helping over 500 people from all over Northern Ireland access the arts in a wide range of activities, including visual art, drama, dance and music.
Project ideas have included

· Visual art projects
· 20 page colour magazine
· Animation workshops
· Live puppet show
· Radio Style CD
· Healthily Living dance DVD
· Sound-Scape
· Children of Lir Show
· Short film trailer
· Craft project
· Film project

If you have an idea, a dream, or are just interested in finding out more, please contact us.

openarts@aol.com