KAF, which is organised by Wyre Forest District Council and runs from August 14-28, gives local artists a launch-pad for new ideas.

And here is your chance to be part of KAF next year. The festival is offering up to £1,500 to a local artist to help them create a piece of work to be included in KAF 2011.

The funding is part of the Xpression leisure funding scheme which awards small grants to local groups and individuals to support them with arts, sports, environmental and heritage activities.

If you are an artist living or working in Wyre Forest you can apply. Once a year artists are asked to bring their ideas to a small panel and give a 20- minute presentation.

They will be looking for a creative high quality project, whether it is a performance, an exhibition, a workshop or a concert – and the work must be ready for KAF 2011.

Artists must also be able to demonstrate they have the skills to produce their idea and that they can come in on budget. The presentation should outline how the artist will spend the money and the type of people they would like to work with. The idea behind the ‘Dragons’ Den style’ presentation is to allow the panel to see artists’ previous work and get an idea of the type of support they would benefit from to help them with their future careers.

This year’s Dragons’ Den is taking place at Kidderminster Town Hall on August 16. Artists should apply by calling 01562 732 977 or emailing arts@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. The closing date to make an appointment to present your ideas is August 9.

The winning artist will be helped by Loz Samuels, the council’s Arts Development Officer, who will support them with their practice and the project, as well as helping them to raise their profile.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, the district council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Partnership Services, will be on the panel and said: “This is a great opportunity for artists to get noticed, create a local audience and get one to one support over a long period of time.

“ It also gives them an opportunity to try something new. We like to support work that helps artists to connect with the wider community and each other.

“It also has to be something which we feel that our audiences would like to see. We are committed to supporting artists and want to encourage them to stay in the area by increasing their opportunities in the future.”

The winner will be presented with their cheque at the annual Sports Awards evening at the beginning of next year. Last year’s winner was artist Sarah Tamar. Her work, ‘The Waiting Room’, will be shown daily throughout KAF ’10 in the Swan Centre.