Last Chance of Funding for Youth Media Groups

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS NOW PASSED.

YOUTH groups across the Northwest are being offered the chance to access thousands of pounds worth of funding through the Mediabox scheme. But groups need to act fast, as the deadline for 2008 applications is 19th August.

Deborah Parker, Mediabox Co-ordinator for the scheme, explains: “We had some really exciting applications in the first round, and I’m really eager to hear about all the new projects we can support this time around. Mediabox is all about good quality projects, so it’s important that groups work hard on their applications.”

This round of applications is the last opportunity for Mediabox funding in 2008. Deborah is keen to make sure youth groups don’t miss out.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has invested £2 million in Mediabox for 2008, which is run by First Light Movies, Media Trust, Skillset and the UK Film Council. It’s Northwest Vision and Media’s aim to attract as much of that money as possible into the Northwest.

In 2007, Mediabox gave out in excess of £600,000 and supported 600 young people in media projects across the Northwest from diverse backgrounds. Of these, 42% were from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 78% have experienced some form of disadvantage.

Deborah is keen to encourage a wide range of projects, and this also reflects Mediabox’s regional priorities for 2008. She says, “TV and film projects did really well last year, so this round of Mediabox funding is prioritising projects in other, alternative media. Projects in print, photography, radio, games and interactive media, graphic novels or mixed media advertising campaigns are all welcome.”

To find out more about Mediabox, click here.