now open. Organisations must register their interest and complete pre-eligibility checks on the CompeteFor website by 3 July, 2009.
Third sector organisations across the capital offering strong community-based skills, training and employment support projects are being encouraged to apply for grants worth between £25,000 and £50,000.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said:
"The London Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just about six weeks of sporting achievement in August 2012 and creating a lasting legacy for sport. We can also use them to underpin our world beating creative sector, which is a critical part of the London economy. Now is the time to ensure the capital retains its leading edge when we emerge from the recession - this fund will increase expertise in the creative industries as well as opportunities for Londoners hoping to work in the arts."
Peter Rogers, LDA Chief Executive, said:
"The 2012 Games are an unprecedented opportunity for London to showcase its creative talents on a global scale and galvanise thousands of people to get involved in the arts. We want to support those individuals through the 2012 Cultural Skills Fund so arts and cultural groups can help Londoners to gain valuable skills that will improve their job prospects while also boosting our creative sector."
Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said:
"Arts Council England is pleased to be working with the London Development Agency to support the creation of new cultural opportunities for communities in London.
"The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund awards will develop local talent and equip people with creative skills during the years leading up to 2012, bringing us a step closer to achieving our collective vision of inspiring and raising the aspirations of communities for years to come."
In April, the LDA announced grants of almost £50,000 each to four organisations through Round One of the fund. They were the Young Vic and disabled-led Graeae Theatre Company which offers training in theatre and circus skills. The other two organisations - East Potential and Cockpit Arts - are providing training in media and craft and design respectively.
The awards for round two are currently being decided.
For more information visit www.lda.gov.uk/culturalskillsfund, call 020 7608 4179 or email 2012londonculturalskillsfund@artscouncil.org.uk
For media enquiries, please contact Andreas Christophorou at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8444; for public enquiries, please call 020 7593 9000; for out of hours media enquiries, please call 07977 439 371.
Notes to Editors
* The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.
* Arts Council England works to get great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic experiences that enrich people's lives. As the national development agency for the arts, we support a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, and carnival to crafts. www.artscouncil.org.uk