Ideas which can “galvanise and gather” Dumfries communities are being sought by The Stove Network after it secured funding to take the second phase of its Open Hoose project forward.
The aim is to assist with the series of ongoing initiatives and events which bring people together.
Initially launched as a pilot scheme in January with Scottish Government Investing in Communities funding, Open Hoose has supported the launch of more than 10 new projects.
Now it plans to take on more having received partial funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund administered by Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway.
Martin O’Neil, artistic director at The Stove, said: “With the first round of the Open Hoose project, we’ve have been able to provide free meals and drinks service, technical support, creative development, marketing support and partnership development to help give ambitious ideas the space, time, support, and encouragement they need to develop.
“With this next round, we hope to continue to help develop and drive forward new community-focused ideas, and that have the potential to grow and resonate with the public.”
The projects so far have ranged from climate cafes to bread clubs and from jam nights to creative writing groups.
Now the team is looking for new community-focused projects to support which will benefit from use of the Stove’s venue space, technical support, resources, and training which it can offer, free of charge, to take even the most radical of ideas to the next level.
Martin added: “It doesn’t have to be a new idea. Established groups that are already working are encouraged to apply. So, whether you’d like to have your activity in the town centre or could do with some support to try out something new, get in touch.
Applications are now open and ideas can be submitted online via the Stove’s website at https://thestove.org/open-hoose-call-out/.
