Culture fund available for First World War commemorations

A fund to support cultural events and activities commemorating two key events during the First World War has been launched by Orkney Islands Council.

Next year, the OIC is coordinating a commemorative programme of events to remember World War One.

Orkney is hosting the national commemoration of the Battle of Jutland on Tuesday, May 31, followed by events on Sunday, June 5, to mark the loss of HMS Hampshire. In support of this programme, the council is making available a specific World War One culture fund to support cultural activity and events.

An open pot of £5,000 is available and applications are being invited from organisations who would like support to deliver arts and heritage events and activities that explore, share and commemorate WW1 Orkney. Priority for support will be given to projects which relate to the Battle of Jutland and loss of HMS Hampshire.

Funding is only available to support activity taking place between Sunday, May 29 – Sunday, June 5, 2016.

Karen Greaves, the Council’s Head of Leisure and Lifelong Learning, said: “Orkney played a hugely significant role in World War 1 and as a consequence the people and landscapes of Orkney were deeply influenced by it.

“It is important that as a community we take this opportunity to commemorate, understand the significance of these events and use them to consider the wider implications of contemporary conflict in the world today.”