Funding Available for Youth Media Projects

Northwest Vision and Media have won the tender to become the Regional partner for Mediabox in 2008 / 09, and are calling for Northwest youth groups who have great ideas for media projects, to apply to take advantage of the thousands of pounds worth of funding that is on offer.

Groups will need to act quickly though. Northwest Vision and Media are holding open events next week to explain the fund and the applications process. The first event is being held on Tuesday 8th April at Warrington International Business Centre, and another is being held the day after, on Wednesday 9th April at Blackpool City Learning Centre, with the deadline for applications being Tuesday 29th April.

Project Manager for Northwest Vision and Media, Deborah Parker, is delighted to be able to offer support to local projects again this year, “Last year, Mediabox gave out over £600,000 and supported over 600 young people across the Northwest from a variety of different backgrounds.

“Mediabox funding gives young people the opportunity to express their ideas and views in a creative way using a variety of media platforms. Last year’s applications were of a really high standard so the competition will be tough. We will be holding the open days to get out and talk to those with ideas and give guidance on how to apply. We’re hoping to get some really innovative applications, particularly using alternative media rather than just film and television.”

One project that previously benefited from Mediabox funding is youth show, G TV, created and presented by teenagers from the Old Trafford area which was broadcast online by Manchester based internet TV channel, Let’s Go Global. G TV offered young people the chance to showcase things they were interested in and develop their television production skills in all areas from animation to camera operation.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has invested £2 million in Mediabox for 2008. Mediabox is run by First Light Movies, Media Trust, Skillset and the UK Film Council. This year, Mediabox will also offer time with specialist media mentors for groups that get through to the second round of the applications process. Northwest Vision and Media will be co-ordinating Northwest based applications with a view to attracting as much of the available money as possible to the region.

For more information on the scheme and details of how to apply, click here.