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Libraries can now apply for funding to support local enterprise and entrepreneurship, and artists and organisations will benefit from a new streamlined application process for our flagship Grants for the arts programme. Yesterday we also announced a new Unlimited programme commissioning Deaf and disabled artists and a partnership with Visit England to increase engagement with the tourism sector.

Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: 'The funds announced today are so important because they can help artists, arts and cultural organisations to demonstrate what arts and culture can really do for this country. From supporting Deaf and disabled artists to make truly innovative art that challenges the public's perception of disability, to demonstrating how public libraries can play a huge role in supporting their local economies, the arts are truly transformative.'

Placing Deaf and disabled artists at the heart of artistic commissions

We are investing £1.5 million in a new Unlimited programme to be delivered by one national delivery partner from 2013 to 2016. The new programme will build on the success of the Unlimited programme that took place during the Cultural Olympiad, placing Deaf and disabled artists at the heart of artistic commissions, enabling work, inspiring collaboration and providing support to emerging artists.

Find out more about the new Unlimted programme.

Developing enterprising libraries

Public libraries can now apply for our Enterprising Libraries fund to develop their own capacity to support local enterprise and entrepreneurship. Ten awards of a maximum of £45,000 each are available. 

The fund is being run through a new £1.3 million partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the British Library. These funds will build the potential of libraries to bring communities together and be the catalysts of local economic growth and enterprise, supporting stronger, more integrated communities by improving social mobility in local areas. 

Find out more about Enterprising libraries. 

Connecting arts and cultural organisations with the tourism sector

The Arts Council is also investing £3 million into Cultural destinations, an initiative which will enable arts and culture organisations to increase their reach, engagement and resilience by working with the tourism sector. Closer working between the two sectors will contribute to the economic growth of the cultural and tourism visitor economies. The programme forms part of the three-year partnership between the Arts Council and VisitEngland.

Find out more about Cultural destinations.

Other funding streams

Changes to the Grants for the arts programme also launch today, making for a more streamlined online application process, as well as an Exceptional awards programme, a fund for projects that make a significant additional contribution to helping deliver great art for everyone.