A funding programme for business and culture collaborations has been set up in the North West.

A total of £30,000 is available for new projects under the Invest North West scheme.

Arts & Business NI hopes to spark new arts partnerships by connecting companies and individuals to cultural organisations. It will provide the expertise and insight for them to prosper together in the run-up to the City of Culture 2013. Nick Livingston, director of strategic development with the Arts Council, said: “The programme will work to increase the capacity of arts organisations engaging with business sponsors in the run-up to Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013.

“The programme will work to increase the capacity of arts organisations engaging with business sponsors and will invest a total of £30,000 with entry levels set at £250 rising to a maximum of £5,000 ensuring access to all.”

The initiative was launched at the city’s Playhouse.