Awards for ‘Bridging Cultures’ open for applications

Awards for Bridging Cultures (ABCs) celebrates intercultural dialogue in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

The ABCs rewards local projects run by community and voluntary organisations that build bridges between communities and cultures. It also rewards public and private sector bodies which support projects that promote intercultural dialogue by helping to initiate projects or provide ongoing financial or other support.

Groups applying for the awards receive an invitation to a one day conference at a prestigious London venue to promote their work and build links with other groups. Winners of the awards for projects run by voluntary and community sector
organisations receive a trophy and cash prize.

Previous winning and commended projects have included:

- The Media Initiative for Children, tackling the legacy of sectarianism, racism and ethnic divisions in Northern Ireland by working with young children, their parents and pre-school workers.
- Take2 Men’s Project – working with men to achieve reconciliation between local communities.
- Barton Hill Settlement – tackling community tensions on a housing estate.

Funded by the Baring Foundation and run by the Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo), the 2010 ABCs has three categories:

- Projects run by voluntary and community sector organisations with annual income over £100,000.
- Projects run by voluntary or community sector organisations with annual income under £100 000.
- Public and private sector organisations supporting intercultural dialogue projects.

All entries have to demonstrate the impact that projects have had in promoting intercultural dialogue between different communities.

The deadline for applications is 13th September 2010. If you would like more information please contact Jennifer Tankard at jennifer.tankard@bridgingcultures.org.uk, visit www.bridgingcultures.org.uk or call 024 7679 5768.