Cornish language and culture projects have been given a £500,000 funding boost as part of the Devolution Deal for Cornwall.
The government investment will increase Cornish language work in schools, the screen industry and the community giving additional income to Cornish community groups and suppliers.
Funding will be used to support the 40 primary schools across Cornwall who are already using Cornish language as part of the GoCornish project.
There will also be activities for young families with nursery-aged children in libraries.
Building on the success of Cornish language short films on BBC I-Player a range of new films and other content in Kernewek will be developed with open calls starting now.
Previous films have been successful at international film festivals and have helped to promote Cornwall’s growing film and digital media industries.
Cornish language community groups will be able to provide more activities in Kernewek where learners can use the language and develop new skills such as public speaking.
The community groups will create digital resources to help make learning easier and a major event with Cornish language music and performances.
There will also be support for community groups working with traditional Cornish culture such as Cornish wrestling and Cornish dance as well as educational events for young people.
The investment is part of the wider Devolution Deal for Cornwall which has also seen new investment in adult education, housing and historic buildings.
Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said:
“This is great news and will help raise the profile of our distinctive Cornish language, culture and heritage.
“Cornwall is recognised as having a growing creative sector, and this investment will benefit many Cornish organisations and support a wide variety of projects for people to get involved with.
“It will also create opportunities for a new generation of young people to learn skills to keep our traditions alive."
Screen Cornwall managing director Laura Giles said:
“We are delighted to be taking further steps towards a stronger and more authentic media representation for Cornwall that will build a vibrant ecosystem for companies and creatives working in the region.”
Find out more about the Devolution Deal
Story posted February 2, 2024
