Thousands more Scottish youngsters are to benefit from new opportunities to access the arts under the latest initiative from the Scottish Government''s CashBack for Communities programme.

As part of a wider £1.8 million culture fund drawing money seized from the ill-gotten gains of convicted criminals, £600,000 will go to the CashBack for Communities Arts and Business Match Fund to support increased cultural activities for vulnerable youngsters.

The project, a partnership with Arts and Business Scotland (A&BS), is the first culture scheme supported by the Proceeds of Crime Act. A&BS will encourage Scottish businesses to match every £1 of government investment, thereby doubling the money and releasing a minimum of £1,200,000 over the next two years.

The funds will then be used to promote social inclusion through the arts for looked after young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years.

The Arts and Business Scotland website can be accessed at :

http://www.aandb.org.uk/scotland/
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/05/14143627