TWO county arts projects have benefited from grants totalling £56,310.

Arts Council England, West Midlands, has awarded £38,000 to a gallery which will bring contemporary art to the county and £18,310 to Herefordshire and Worcestershire dance agency Dancefest.

Dancefest will spend its money on a number of portable dance packs so it can transport lighting, computers, sound systems and dance floors to workshops and performances around Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Manager Rose Beeston said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this money. The idea is that we will be able to take more equipment on the road with us which will enhance performances, make us more accessible and give our dancers and audiences a better experience."

Meadow Gallery, which is based in Ludlow, will use the cash to bring its Still Life exhibition to the grounds of Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich.

The gardens of the National Trust property will be transformed from June to September, featuring the work of acclaimed artists and their interpretation of the historical site.

Midlands-born artist Jane Prophet will offer a sculptural interpretation of the pear orchard, while Daphne Wright will produce a sound installation within Snob's Tunnel, a passageway formerly used by servants.

Sally Luton, executive director of Arts Council England, West Midlands, said: "These projects show that the arts are thriving and this is a benefit for everyone in the West Midlands."

To let the Arts Council know your opinion on the arts and how funding should be spent visit www.artsdebate.co.uk