The not-for-profit community arts organisation in Shepton Mallet, the Rubbish Art Project, has received almost £29,000 from the Arts Council England to help it survive the coronavirus crisis.

The arts organisation, which is back at the Art Bank in Shepton Mallet High Street, has received a grant of £28,950 from the Arts Council's emergency response fund.

Their grant is part of the £8.5 million that has been awarded to 873 individuals and 302 independent organisations across the South West through the Covid-19 emergency response package, thanks to the National Lottery and Government.

Since April 2018 the Rubbish Art Project has worked on developing a hub in Shepton Mallet where people and groups can come together in a creative environment.

It takes waste material from local charity shops and businesses, and transforms it into thought-provoking art.

The organisation's mission is to provide an accessible platform for the community, as such much of the work created in its workshops is normally showcased in regular exhibitions where there is no differentiation made between the work of professional artists and the Art Bankers.

The team behind the project believe creativity is the key to better health and connection. By providing an array of workshops and courses their objective is to improve confidence levels, support well-being and foster inclusion in a fun and friendly space.

They also collaborate with other local not-for-profit organisations to support their provision within the community, offering the creation and delivery of bespoke courses for individual groups.

Announced in March, the Arts Council's emergency response package was designed to help alleviate the immediate pressures faced by artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, museums, and libraries over summer – supporting them as they continue to serve their communities during this crisis and affording them the time to stabilise and plan for the future.

Phil Gibby, area director for Arts Council England South West, said: "We're proud to have turned this emergency funding programme around in such a short space of time, with the help from our partners in Government and from our team members working in their home offices.

"Arts Council has been able to award these grants at a critical time, to so many brilliant artists, creative practitioners and cultural organisations who suddenly found themselves in a difficult position due to Covid-19.

"The creative and cultural sector helps to generate the local economy, provides jobs, improves people's wellbeing and helps us to make sense of the world.

"And like so many other sectors, it has never faced a challenge of this scale which is why we are pleased to make this funding announcement today (June 16), in the knowledge that this funding will not just keep the lights on but will also connect many people at this challenging time."

Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture in the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "From streaming performances online to virtual exhibitions, the UK's arts community has been extremely innovative to make sure audiences across the nation and beyond can enjoy our world-class cultural offerings in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

"I am pleased that thousands of organisations and artists have benefited from these funds to help them through these tough times.

"I will continue to be a strong champion of our arts sector and do all I can to help its recovery given the positive impact it has on so many people's lives. "