DCMS boosts funds for designers

Culture Online, a Government-backed body that commissions and manages interactive projects, is receiving a £3m cash injection from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that is set to benefit the design industry.

The funds will be spent on developing a host of interactive collaborations featuring digital-led technology, such as on-line work and installations. Many of the projects will create links with arts, heritage and cultural organisations, encouraging mass participation.

Designers or consultanices can submit applications to design jointly-managed projects with Culture Online, which are worth in the region of £200 000 – £400 000.

Culture Online hopes to build its portfolio of partners and deliver more ‘compelling interactive experiences’. Currently, the body runs 18 projects and has a further 12 in the pipeline.

Jonathan Dori, director of Culture Online, says, ‘You can create something rather special when you combine innovative technology with a real understanding of audiences. This funding means we can create new projects with partners.’

Applications are open to any organisation wishing to put forward a project proposal through the website www.cultureonline.gov.uk.