Microgrants of up to £2,000 available to honour past, present and future of Windrush
Hackney Council is offering microgrants of up to £2,000 for projects and events celebrating and supporting the theme of Hackney’s 2024 Windrush programme “Windrush: Past. Present, Future”.
Microgrants are open to Hackney community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local venues to deliver events and activities on Windrush Day (22 June) and throughout June 2024. Projects should preserve, expand and enrich the legacy of the Windrush generation, reflect the Council’s motion acknowledging the current fight for justice, and empower Windrush descendants with positive representation and opportunities to develop skills.
In addition to the annual Windrush microgrants, Hackney Council is launching the Windrush Amplified Art grant. A £3,000 award for a photographer, artist, poet, writer, school class or art collective to deliver print-based work on this year’s theme. The work will be displayed on public billboards and on Love Hackney digital channels in June.
The microgrants are part of a promise made by the Council to highlight the significant, ongoing contribution of the Windrush generation to the nation. This year we are supporting applications that highlight the past, present and future of the Windrush story. As our population of Windrush descendants continues to grow, we are looking for ideas that preserve and share the true history of Windrush and help create a bright future.
It is vital that through these projects we move away from singular narratives that limit the community to one group of people from one island, class, age group, or story of injustice and instead explore the wider experience of Windrush to present an authentic account for future generations.
The deadline for Windrush microgrant applications is midnight on Monday 1 April, with successful applicants announced the following week. An online workshop for people interested in applying will be held on Monday 18 March at 6pm. To sign up email culture@hackney.gov.uk
Apply for a Windrush microgrant here
Apply for a Windrush Amplified Art grant here
Notes
National Windrush Day
In 2018 Hackney became the first UK Council to pass a comprehensive motion in Parliament committing to annually commemorate National Windrush Day on 22 June, and actively lobby the government for justice for those affected by the Windrush scandal.
The 22 June marks the arrival of African-Caribbean immigrants to the shores of Britain in 1948 and honours the British African-Caribbean community and their contribution to British life.
The Windrush Compensation Scheme
Designed and run by the Home Office, The Windrush Compensation Scheme was launched on 3 April 2019 to compensate those impacted by the Windrush Scandal. Eligible Hackney residents include the ‘Windrush Generation’, UK residents who came to the UK from any Commonwealth country before 1973, as well as UK residents from any country who were legally settled in the UK prior to the end of 1988 who can demonstrate they were impacted by the Windrush Scandal.
In January 2023 Cllr Williams and the Mayor of Hackney wrote to the Home Office to raise concerns regarding the government’s Windrush Compensation Scheme amidst recent reports of the government’s intention to abandon key commitments.