COUNCILLORS are being asked to pay £20,000 for a "people's artist" in Cowlersley.

The artist - yet to be appointed - would spend three days a week working with people of all ages.

The aim would be to bring the community together through arts activities in people's homes, schools and public buildings.

Most of the cash to pay for the artist would come from the Kirklees Council's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

The other £6,445 is being sought from Job Placement Link, which has yet to confirm the funding.

The artist will be managed by Open Art, a non-profit organisation based at Huddersfield's Creative Loft flats in Northumberland Street.

Open Art is seeking funding for projects which link health with the arts, through activities in health organisations, hospitals or communities.

Manager Deborah Munt said: "It is about trying to provide positive experiences."

Open Art will train a steering group - made up of residents and members of Cowlersley Tenants' and Residents' Association - to manage the project.

The aim of the scheme is to create activities that every resident - regardless of age, race, income or location - can take part in.

This will help overcome isolation, a lack of activities for young people and misunderstanding between the old and young about crime and nuisance.

It will also provide a link between residents and council agencies, such as health workers.

Open Art also hopes the project will give people new skills to help them get work and address community issues, such as caring for the environment.

Specialist projects will be provided for certain community groups, such as children with learning difficulties.

But they will also be welcome at the regular workshops.

The scheme has won the backing of Kirklees neighbourhood wardens and Cowlersley Junior and Infants School supports it in principle.

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