A £250,000 fund will open this week to support creative projects across Wales which promote and encourage use of the Welsh language.

In its second year, the Llais y Lle (Voice of Place) scheme is run by the Arts Council of Wales and funded by the National Lottery.

The aim is to develop creative uses of the Welsh language though the provision of financial and practical support.

Funding is available for individuals or groups who have experience of working creatively with communities through the medium of Welsh. Applicants should think about presenting projects which focus on the language as well as promote local ownership of it.

Einir Sion, Welsh Language Enabler at the Arts Council of Wales, said: “The fund is available for people with forward-thinking and creative ideas to put Welsh at the heart of a project in their community.

“We’re looking for projects that have the potential to discover proactive ways of working and lay solid foundations for future development.

“There are no limits to the type of project we can support, only that they focus on the Welsh language and have the potential to foster and promote ownership of it within different communities.”

The Arts Council of Wales is keen to ensure communities from across the country can benefit from the funding.

So, applications from Pembrokeshire, Caerphilly, Torfaen, north Powys, Anglesey, Denbigh, Conwy, Swansea, and Blaenau Gwent in particular will be prioritised this year to encourage activity in new areas.

However, applications from across Wales will be considered.

To learn more about the criteria and to apply for Llais y Lle funding, visit the Arts Council of Wales website. Applications will open between the 5th of February and the 1st of March – all projects are expected to start by May 2024.

 Applications will open between February 5 and March 1. All projects are expected to start by May 2024.

Online briefing events will be held to share additional information about Llais y Lle on February 6 and 8.

Registration and joining details will be available on the website.