WIREDGOV

The Arts Council and the Local Government Association have today launched the Libraries Development Initiative. The overarching aim of this initiative is to create vibrant, sustainable 21st century library services within the framework of Achieving great art for everyone and Culture, knowledge and understanding: great museums and libraries for everyone.

We believe libraries should be at the heart of society, valued by local communities and providing access to information, learning and culture in a shared and trusted place.

We want to work with the library sector to explore this vision for arts and culture working together. The Libraries Development Initiative is the essential first stage in this process.

The Libraries Development Initiative will run between March 2012 and March 2013 and support around 10 projects.

Each project will be awarded a maximum of £20,000, though amounts of funding allocated to each project will differ according to the scope and scale of work.

Successful projects will explore how embedding arts and culture in libraries can improve people's experiences, bring benefits to the library service and develop cultural provision in local areas. Projects will also look at new ways of working that will enhance libraries' sustainability and relevance as vibrant hubs in their local communities.

Applicants should complete an expression of interest form that explores one of the following four designated areas of activity:

• Part 1: new delivery models for arts and culture working together
• Part 2: coordinating partnerships to achieve national policy outcomes
• Part 3: books and reading
• Part 4: commercial partnerships

Expressions of Interest should be submitted no later than 5pm on 2 December 2011. Shortlisted organisations or consortia will be invited to complete a full application. Successful projects will be announced on 13 February 2012.

Download the guidance and find out how to apply.