29/4/2008

A painting by the Edwardian artist Edward Lear is to help charities in the Cynon Valley.

Voluntary groups are being invited to apply for up to 20,000 pounds in funding for capital projects as part of the Edward Lear Fund.

The fund was established after Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council sold the Lear's painting Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling, which previously hung in Aberdare Library, to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum of Wales.

The fund is geographically restricted to the Cynon Valley in recognition of the original gift of the painting to Mountain Ash Urban District Council in 1924 by Lord Aberdare.

The fund can present grants to projects such as works to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, new build of existing facilities, purchase of equipment, public works of art or environmental improvements.

For an application form or further guidance please contact the Development and Regeneration Unit, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Borough Council on 01443 665789. All fully completed application forms must be submitted by Friday June 20 2008.