Launching ideas into reality

The Springboard Grants Programme provides awards of up to £1,000 to current students and staff at the University of Brighton to help fund unique activities that enrich and enhance the student and staff experience. This grants programme has been established through the generosity of alumni and friends.

Each academic year two application rounds take place (autumn and spring). Sixty applications were submitted for the spring round. There was tough competition but the selection panel awarded 18 grants to truly exceptional applicants. Funded projects included a student who applied to organise and facilitate a large-scale community mapping project for Sussex Adur Arts Festival; a staff member who is now able to support the presentation of Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) students’ artwork at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital for the Brighton Fringe 2013 and beyond; and a student society which aimed to increase awareness of biodiversity on the university’s campuses and the local area.

Natalia Natuka, the student awarded the grant to organise the large-scale community mapping project said that she was overjoyed about this opportunity. She added: “I am passionate about inclusion and believe that it is not only important that greater access to the arts is provided for adults with learning disabilities but that it is also key that their work is supported to filter into the mainstream visual culture.”

Gordon Kay, a staff member who was awarded the grant on behalf of BSMS students commented: ‘“BSMS thanks Springboard for its generous support. Its contribution has enabled students’ artwork and participation to be a full part of our Brighton Fringe activity for the second year running, enhancing their student experience – the feedback has been great.”                

The next round of the Springboard Grants Programme starts in October 2013. To find out more and for short summaries of past successful applications click here.