Saturday, May 17, 2008

Crime Pays (for the Arts)

The Scottish Government has announced a £600,000 package of funding available for arts projects that create social inclusion for young people. The so called ‘CashBack for Communities’ funding will use money seized from convicted criminals and require matched business funding from the private sector - in cash or kind - to release £1.2 million over the next two years.

The project is the first culture scheme supported by the Proceeds of Crime Act. The funds will be used to promote social inclusion through the arts for young people between ten and 19 years, in particular those who may not otherwise have such opportunities.

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said, "Recycling the money of criminals into arts and cultural opportunities is poetic justice indeed and I now want to see this fund benefit young people across Scotland, particularly those who may not have the parental support to encourage them out to try new and different activities."

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