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The Victoria Hall Performing Arts Association

The Victoria Hall Performing Arts Association is a volunteer‑led charity that runs Victoria Hall Theatre in Old Harlow, keeping live performance accessible for the community. Established in 1996, we are dedicated to keeping live performance accessible for everyone in our community. We provide a creative home for amateur and professional groups alike and operate entirely on a not-for-profit basis.

What will the Kao SEED Fund support?

The funding will help expand the annual community-led Christmas production at Victoria Hall Theatre, a much-loved event that unites around 80 local volunteers aged 12-80 in creating, performing and managing a professional-quality show. The performance of Alice in Wonderland will offer hands-on opportunities in set building, lighting, costume design and stage management, guided by experienced mentors. Over three months of rehearsals and performances, participants will gain creative and practical skills, build confidence and strengthen community connections, ensuring this cherished local tradition continues to empower and inspire Harlow residents.

Who is the project helping support?

The project will directly involve around 80 volunteers from across Harlow, including young people (11+), families, retirees and community members from diverse backgrounds. Participants gain creative, technical and teamwork experience that builds confidence, communication skills and employability. More than 1,200 audience members are expected to attend, benefiting from accessible, local theatre that fosters connection and pride in place. 

Local schools, suppliers and small businesses also benefit through partnerships, participation and charity nights supporting organisations such as Streets2Homes, Pact for Autism, ASL and St Clare’s Hospice.​

Impact of the project

The project aims to strengthen community spirit, reduce isolation and keep high‑quality theatre accessible during a period of rising living costs and pressure on arts venues. Success will be seen in increased volunteer participation, especially among young and first‑time performers, and in stronger intergenerational collaboration. Impact will be monitored through volunteer and audience numbers, ticket sales, surveys, interviews, reflections, photos and videos documenting the process. Audience feedback, skills gained, confidence growth and funds raised for local charities will demonstrate how the production brings Harlow’s community together.

Find out more:

https://www.victoriahalltheatre.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/thevictoriahalltheatre

https://www.instagram.com/vickyhallharlow

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If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS.  Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts. 

Funding conditions:  If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.

A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).

Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant.  Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.

Data protection statement – how we will use your information

The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles.  The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’

General Data Protection Regulation:  Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice

Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].

FAQs

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  1. Who can apply?
    The fund is open to not-for-profit community groups and grassroots initiatives based in Stockport.
     
  2. What types of projects are eligible?
    We encourage projects focused on environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and local economic development.
     
  3. How much funding is available?
    Grants range from £500 to £2,500 for pilot projects or to enhance existing initiatives.
     
  4. Is this the sole funding for this project?
    If not, please expand on the additional match funding that you currently have or are in the process of applying for.
     
  5. Are there any restrictions on grants under £500?
    Yes, please note that grants under £500 may be subject to different guidelines or restrictions, which will be communicated upon application.
     
  6. When will we know if our project was selected?
    Notifications will be sent by March 31, 2025.
     
  7. How can I apply for a grant?
    Applications can be submitted through our online portal, where you will find detailed guidelines and forms.
     
  8. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
    If your application is not successful, we encourage you to seek feedback and consider reapplying in future funding rounds.
     
  9. When is the application deadline?
    Please check our website for the latest application deadlines and any upcoming funding rounds.